The Pennsylvania 211 network provides connections to help with everything from housing to higher utility costs as households continue to feel the effects of inflation.

“PA 211 strives to be the first, most essential resource to all Pennsylvanians who need help. If you aren’t sure where to start, begin with 211. PA 211 provides highly-trained, local experts who make it easy to find help. We’re here any time of day, and we work hard to provide resources with compassion and understanding,” said Kristen Rotz, president of United Way of Pennsylvania and Executive Director of PA 211.

PA 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. In 2022, PA 211 answered 254,796 unique calls, with more than 325,000 services requested by callers.

In addition, 19,247 Pennsylvanians sought help via text, and 3176 utilized our newly-launched web chat.

PA 211 also offers people the ability to search for assistance at www.pa211.org. Nearly 929,000 web sessions on pa211.org accessed the self-serve community resource search function to find help in their community. Across all communication channels, PA 211 served well over one million Pennsylvanians, exceeding the record previously set from March 2020 through December 2021.

To chat online with a 211 Resource Navigator, visit www.pa211.org, start a search for resources, and select the option to chat.

“As inflation affected households across our state, PA 211 measured increased need for assistance with housing.

Housing requests increased by 22 percent, and other top five needs include utilities, food, employment and income supports, and clothing/household needs,” said Emily Aubele, statewide quality assurance director for PA 211.

To reach PA 211 by phone, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. A guided search for community resources and chat is also available at www.pa211.org.