Pennsylvanians encountering a moment of crisis can call or text 211 or visit www.pa211.org to be connected to various local resources, including food assistance, counseling services, health care, housing and utility payment assistance, disaster recovery, employment and education services, veterans’ services and more.
In 2024, PA 211 received more than 200,000 calls, texts and chats, leading to nearly
700,000 referrals for resources and services.
“United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is proud to run the 211 contact center for 34
Pennsylvania counties. This free, confidential service connects people across the
Commonwealth 24/7/365 to vital human services that serve their neighborhoods,” said United Way President and CEO Bobbi Watt Geer.
As one of their services, PA 211 connects eligible Pennsylvanians with no-cost tax preparation services that help working families access tax credits, lower their tax bills and
increase their refunds. In 2024, PA 211 scheduled nearly 25,000 appointments with the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, leading to more than $35 million in refunds to eligible filers.
“At the county, our work on eviction prevention, housing stability, food access, and behavioral health depends on people knowing where to turn and being able to connect quickly to real support. 211 helps make that possible,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
“It is a connective tissue across systems that are otherwise difficult to navigate, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, working families, and people experiencing crisis.”
