Easy-to-use phone number connects community members with valuable resources

2-1-1, an easy to remember toll-free telephone number that connects people who need help with critical services and volunteer opportunities, is now available for use in the Greater Lehigh Valley area.

PA 2-1-1 East, which started as LINC (one of United Way of Lancaster County’s signature programs), is a free, comprehensive, information and referral program and one of seven regional 2-1-1 call centers throughout Pennsylvania.

“As a model information and referral center for 35 years,
we’re delighted and proud to now serve Greater Lehigh Valley residents as their trusted information and referral resource”, said Toni L. McCuistion, director of PA 2-1-1 East. “We want to be sure that all citizens know that 2-1-1 is available and we are ready to serve them.”  2-1-1 offers information and referrals for a broad range of services including basic needs, food banks, child and elder care, health services, housing, support groups and more. 
Hours of operation are currently Monday-Friday, 7am-6:30 pm.  In the future, coverage will be expanded to serve residents 24 hours, 7 days week. 

In addition, 2-1-1 can be integral to the community’s crisis
response in the event of an emergency, such as flooding, tornado, fire or other tragedy. When these unfortunate events occur, the community can respond quickly, and get those affected the help they need, whether it’s immediately after the crisis event, or in the long term recovery process.

But 2-1-1 is for everyone, not just people and communities
in crisis, and can be used at any time. 2-1-1 can connect people who are new to the area with employment services or daycare for children.  Calls are answered by trained specialists who direct callers to the most appropriate and
effective community resources, based on their individual needs.

In addition to answering and guiding calls, 2-1-1 offers a
variety of helpful informational materials that are available at little or no cost to the community. These materials are available both in hard copy and as free downloads from the United Way website: www.uwlanc.org.

For more information on United Way of Lancaster County and PA 2-1-1 East, visit www.uwlanc.org.

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