On February 11, 2025, United Way of Beaver County (UWBC) and PA 211 are
celebrating 211 Day, reminding Pennsylvanians that no one has to navigate challenges alone. It’s a
day to honor the hard work and dedication of individuals in our statewide network of resource
navigators who answer the call, text or chat when a neighbor takes the step to ask for help. And,
together we announce that PA211.org has been revamped to make it easier than ever to find local
resources with a guided search that quickly connects users to services tailored to their specific
situations.
“Every day in Beaver County our neighbors trust the team of experienced resource navigators at PA
211 to listen first, then help. As residents of our community frequently reach out for help with
accessing food, shelter, utility assistance, and more, PA 211 is here 24/7/365 to provide caring
support and one on one attention to your need,” said Mary Lou Harju, Executive Director, UWBC.
“With 39% of our county being in poverty or living in an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained,
Employed) household, having someone to call in a time of need is absolutely critical and essential.
This 211 day, we extend our loudest thanks to the people of Pennsylvania who trust us to be the
place to seek help, and to the team who is answering the calls every day. We receive, on average,
25-30 calls each week in our office from people who are in tremendous need. When we can quickly
identify a resource, we provide that phone number to them. However, more often than not, we
recommend that they call PA 211,” Harju said.
According to the 2024 Beaver County 211 Report, almost 2,000 Beaver County residents contacted
PA 211 for assistance last year. The highest number of calls were for utility assistance (1,183 calls),
followed closely by housing and shelter (1,135 calls). Employment was the third highest request
(405 calls). The number of calls to PA 211 in 2024 was 20% higher than in 2023, and 61% higher
than in 2022. “These numbers are indicative of the increasing inability to afford even basic
essentials that we are seeing, especially within the ALICE population,” Harju said.
To reach PA 211 by phone, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. A new guided search for
community resources and chat is also available at www.pa211.org. To chat with a 211 Resource
Navigator on the web site, start a search for resources, and select the option to chat.