United Way's 2-1-1 is committed to helping those in the Northwest PA region impacted by the federal government shutdown. Furloughed federal employees and government contractors in need of social services and individuals with questions about availability of public benefits can call 2-1-1 or visit PA211NW.org to get help.
2-1-1 is a free, confidential referral and information service that connects people from all communities to a specialist who can help find local health and human services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Trained 2-1-1 resource navigators can help those in need connect to food pantries, health care services and utility and eviction prevention assistance. Callers also can receive information on mental health counseling, transportation, job training, substance use recovery services, child care and volunteer opportunities.
United Way of Erie County has been providing referral services since May 2017. Erie became a part of the national 2-1-1 program, which was launched by United Way in Atlanta over 20 years ago. The user-friendly, three-digit 2-1-1 number now serves more than 283 million Americans—more than 90% of our population—in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
United Ways have been long-standing supporters and the national leader of the 2-1-1 movement in Partnership with AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Services). As the largest private funder of the 2-1-1 network in Pennsylvania, United Ways continue to strengthen and support 2-1-1 as another way to build stronger communities and create opportunities for all.