By RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Southern Alleghenies
On Feb. 11, United Ways across Pennsylvania will celebrate PA 211 Day, recognizing the vital role this free, confidential service plays in helping residents connect with essential health and human services.
PA 211 operates 24/7/365 to assist individuals in Blair, Cambria, and Somerset Counties in finding the help they need — whether for themselves, a friend, or a loved one. From housing and utility assistance to food security and childcare support, PA 211 is a trusted resource in times of need.
United Way of the Southern Alleghenies proudly funds PA 211 in partnership with the PA 211 Network. Calls from our region are handled by a team of trained care navigators in Allegheny County, who are knowledgeable about local programs such as the Diaper Bank, emergency assistance programs, and early childhood education resources, that ensure children have success early in life.
"PA 211 is a lifeline for so many people in our communities," United Way of the Southern Alleghenies President and CEO Karen Struble Myers said. "Unexpected challenges — financial or health-related — can create stress. PA 211 is there to mitigate the problems by connecting individuals to community-based resources."
Since 2020, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians have turned to PA 211 for help. Locally, 67% of contacts in Blair, Cambria, and Somerset Counties are related to housing, food, and utility assistance — with more than 6,000 requests answered within the last year alone, according to PA 211 Counts.
PA 211 can help in situations like:
🔹 Caring for an aging friend or relative and not knowing where to start.
🔹 Struggling to pay rent or keep the power on.
🔹 Worrying about putting food on the table for your family.
Getting help is simple: Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search for resources online at www.pa211.org.