PA 211

PA 211: Get Connected. Get Help.
If you need to connect with resources in your community, PA 211 is a great place to start. From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, help filing your taxes, disaster assistance, and more. Browse our database of local programs throughout Pennsylvania to find the help you need.
For additional assistance, you can access live chat on pa211.org, text your zip code to 898-211, or dial 211 to talk with a resource specialist for free. Our specialists will listen to your needs, and give you information on programs in your community that might be able to help.
211 is a vital service leveraged by millions of people across North America. Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services and childcare and family services.
No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that improve their lives. In 2021 alone, PA 211 answered more than 300,000 calls, texts, and chats, and people connected to resources on the web over 530,000 times. We connect community members in need to life-changing support.
211 provides unmatched, critical services — 211 is a vital service leveraged by millions of people across North America. Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services and childcare and family services.
211 provides expert, caring help — No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that improve their lives.
211 meets real needs in real time — In 2021 alone, PA 211 connected Pennsylvanians to community resources over 830,000 times, helping provide life-changing support. The top needs addressed during this time were housing, utilities assistance, health, employment and income, and food. 211 has its finger on the pulse of community needs unlike any other network.
211 tackles underlying root causes – 211 does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, 211 specialists are trained to identify and address root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call or text.
211 exemplifies United Way’s fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.
211 makes the social services ecosystem/network more efficient by ensuring people in need are connected to agencies that can help them.
By supporting 211, companies and individuals can be part of solving community problems and helping individuals.
211 does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, 211 specialists are trained to identify root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call or text.
No other program has its “finger on the pulse” of America’s greatest needs. It’s a vital part of United Way’s efforts to build stronger communities and fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. 211 makes the social services ecosystem/network more efficient by ensuring people in need are connected to agencies that can help them.