HARRISBURG — United Way of Pennsylvania and PA 211 launched an informational campaign by text to keep Pennsylvanians connected to verified sources of information on Coronavirus and resources to help households struggling with a loss of income.
This is in addition to live-answer text and call services by PA 211, and local fundraising by United Way for emergency needs that support PA communities in unprecedented times.
“During the last week, PA 211 has seen more than double its normal contact volume, seven days per week,” according to Debbie Reihart, PA 211 executive director. “In order to serve the many more Pennsylvanians who are struggling with basic needs, or have questions about COVID-19, Pennsylvanians can now text PACOVID to 898-211 to opt into a text message push campaign with links to vetted sources of factual information.”
Pennsylvanians who need to have a live, two-way conversation with a 211 community resource navigator can continue to access help by texting their zip code to 898-211. They can visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp for statewide, regional and local resources. Text and web site are the quickest way to access help while 211 experiences higher-than-usual call volumes, but Pennsylvanians can also dial 211 on their land line or mobile phone to be connected to a resource navigator.
Individuals with immediate needs related to the COVID-19 crisis can also access resources and updates on https://www.uwp.org/pacovid/. This page guides members of the public with the latest information on relief legislation, breaking news, and resources to access help with basic needs like housing, food, and utility assistance.
“We encourage all Pennsylvanians to do everything within their means to not only mitigate the spread of this virus, but also to give generously as they are able to help support the millions of Pennsylvanians who are losing income, who stand on the front lines of the response every day, and those at risk in our communities before, during and after the COVID-19 crisis,” said Kristen Rotz, President of United Way of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvanians who are uncertain where to give can consider one of the local COVID-19 response funds that have been set up across the state by local United Ways.
This is also a challenging time for nonprofits in Pennsylvania, especially those which provide life-sustaining and essential services. This includes the network of charitable food banks and pantries, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and residential facilities caring for vulnerable populations including children and seniors.
“To support all nonprofits, United Way of Pennsylvania has created a Nonprofit COVID-19 resource hub which is updated daily with need-to-know information, especially policy decisions that impact the operations of these nonprofits, and the Pennsylvanians they serve. This information will be curated several times per day until the crisis ends,” Rotz said.
