After many years of planning, regional United Ways in Southwest PA launched the 2-1-1 service. Similar to 9-1-1, 2-1-1 is a nationally recognized, easy to remember phone number that quickly and effectively connects people in need with resources. The connections are to human and community services tailored to meet caller’s needs.

Currently, 2-1-1 is available to over 82% of the nation’s population, including 48 states. Thanks to collaborative efforts of United Ways across the state and region, the PA 2-1-1 Board, the Pennsylvania Association of Information and Referral Specialists (AIRS), and other partners, 2-1-1 is rolling out across the Commonwealth. This work was only possible with strong leadership from the business community and support of early funders, including Duquesne Light Company, Staunton Farm Foundation, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

United Way of Allegheny County manages delivery of the 2-1-1 service, in partnership with neighboring United Ways in the Southwestern region. Collaborative efforts supported the launch in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette and Westmoreland Counties. Outreach is underway to extend the service to the rest of the designated service area, which includes Beaver, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer and Washington Counties by 2013.

PA 2-1-1 SW and other 2-1-1 centers in Pennsylvania will use a single, state-of-the-art software system to track all calls - the information being sought and the referrals being made. It will provide timely and accurate information about the emerging and unmet needs of residents, which will be critical as we continue to advocate with policy makers. Information will also be available online to the general public - www.pa211sw.org is under construction and will launch by mid-July.

BUTLER COUNTY….Butler County’s own Center for Community Resources serves the region as the after-hours, weekend and holiday call center. United Way is grateful for their collaboration in the design and on-going delivery of this service. We are also grateful to Butler County resident and United Way Board member Tyrone Christy, former PUC Commissioner and Energy Consultant whose passion for service helped make this a reality at the state level and locally. Finally, we acknowledge partnership with several public utilities, including the leadership of Morgan O’Brien, CEO of Peoples Gas and Peoples TWP, along with First Energy for working with us on implementation and private funding solutions. We also acknowledge the collaboration of Butler County Human Services and our Commissioners in this effort.