News

PA 211 resources are a lifeline to residents who may be experiencing housing instability

When a crisis hits, having somewhere to turn is invaluable. For millions of people, that place is 211.
 
211 is the only free, confidential, 24/7/365 service that connects Pennsylvanians with all the health and human services in their area that are available to help. It’s the first stop for Pennsylvania residents experiencing housing insecurity. Whether they are seeking help with utility bills, housing assistance, after-school programs for kids or have other requests, dialing 211 will connect them with a local resource specialist for free.  
 
On February 11, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will join United Way of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania 211 network to celebrate PA 211 Day to recognize and amplify the important work of this vital resource available statewide. 
 
The economic fall-out of the pandemic continued to impact people in our community—particularly low-income families and those in underrepresented populations. Last year, PA 211 received 31,203 calls for UWGLV’s service area of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. Of those requests, 72.6% were for housing and utilities.  
 
In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills and connect to other essential services. Our 211 is part of a national network, United to help as many people as possible.
 
To access these resources, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. To chat online with a 211 resource navigator, visit www.pa211.org, start a search for resources, and select the option to chat. PA 211 also features a new chat translation tool at www.pa211.org which allows customers to interact with 211 in 75 different languages.