The United Way of Venango County’s PA 211 information and referral service will operate around the clock into the foreseeable future starting Wednesday.
The 211 service was launched May 23 with service from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The 2-1-1 number acts as a resource individuals can use to learn about the community’s network of health, human and social services.
Services include assistance in several types of bill payments, home rental listings and food stamps, among other things.
“We’re excited and very happy that services went 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year, a lot sooner than we thought in the planning stages of the program,” United Way Executive Director Will Price said.
Daily call volume continues to grow about 50 percent each month, and 24-hour coverage will enable more residents to reach 211 in a time of need, Price said.
“We want people to dial 211 for the social services just like they dial 911 for emergency services,” Price said.
People in need of these services can dial 211 from any phone and reach a trained professional resource navigator, who will provide information on the appropriate agency that can assist the caller with their needs.
Callers also have the option of conducting their own searches on the website (http://www.pa211nw.org) and can use the chat feature to connect with the call center.
The 211 line also offers people the option of texting their need and zip code to 898-211 and receiving information via their cell phone.
“We know that Venango County residents have smartphones, but they don’t have minutes on their phones,” Price said. “However, they can connect to a Wi-Fi spot and get the help they need.”
Price said it will take time for people to understand what 211 is and how it operates.
“We know that residents are in need of services but are too independent to ask for help,” Price said. “Now they can connect with PA 211 and not feel they are being judged or looked down on.”
For more information, call United Way of Venango County at 814-676-6545.
