This article by Christina Sheleheda originally appeared in the Beaver County Times.
Residents across the state will celebrate 211 Day on Saturday, celebrating the often-lifesaving telephone referral service provided by United Way of America. Anyone seeking information on issues from food bank locations to the closest pediatrician can dial 211 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be connected to a referral specialist.
A confidential service provided by the United Way at no cost to the public, 211 is dispatched regionally, ensuring accurate and relevant information. United Way of Beaver County Executive Director Mike Rubino said just under 3,000 calls from the county alone came through in 2016.
“People reached out to 211 to find information on basic needs, like heating or utility assistance, elder care or to find the closest food bank,” he said. “They also called for everyday information like where to take their child for developmental screening or how to locate job training or how to schedule free tax filing support through local services.”
The 211 movement has financial backing from corporate sponsors such as Peoples Natural Gas Co. and Duquesne Light Co. of Pennsylvania, Rubino said. He said the top calls in Pennsylvania included rent payment assistance, electric assistance, tax preparation assistance, gas service payment assistance and food pantry locations.
About 85 percent of the state can call the number to reach a dispatcher who has been trained to assess situations, ask appropriate questions and refer to the service or organization that can help. United Way has been working to secure relationships with local and national nonprofit organizations who are eager to help those in need, Rubino said. “Nowadays, people don’t really know who to call for help,” he said. “We are trying to make it easy for everyone to use the service.”
Rubino added that officials are working to build a strong database specifically designed to assist veterans in finding mental health resources, jobs and any other assistance they might need. In addition to dialing 211 on a touchtone phone, those seeking information can also visit www.pa211sw.org for a list of resources or to engage in a live chat.
“We just look for any way we can to help the human conditions in Beaver County,” Rubino said. Local and statewide organizations are encouraged to contact the United Way of Beaver County if interested in being added to the resource list at 724-774-3210 or www.unitedwaybeaver.org.
