'I almost didn’t call.'

Melissa and her son were getting by on her restaurant job, until she was laid off. She quickly fell behind on bills, and got a shutoff notice for her electric service. Unable to pay the amount due, she called 211 to see if she had any options.

Our Resource Navigator listened to Melissa’s situation, and pointed her to local resources for utility bill assistance, support with her job search, food pantries, and a diaper bank. She also gave her a recommendation to call her electric company, to see if a payment plan was possible. Melissa called her electric company that day. Not only was she able to avoid a shutoff, but she got some of her past due balance forgiven.

“I almost didn’t call, and I’m so glad I did.” – Melissa

PA 211 is a 24/7 hotline connecting residents of Cambria and Somerset Counties with essential health and human services. Anyone who calls or texts 2-1-1 will be connected with a trained care navigator who will help the call find the right programs to support them. Last year, a record 1,500 calls and texts from Cambria and Somerset were made. Many of them were for heating/utility assistance, rental assistance and food insecurity concerns. 

United Way of the Laurel Highlands supports the program with $15,225 each year. Your support will help to make sure this crucial service is sustainable. 

PA 211 can help you find resources for: 

• Accessing food and clothing resources
• Finding child care options
• Education and training options
• Keeping my heat on
• Joining the workforce
• Locating transportation assistance
• Getting taxes done
• Managing my medical expenses
• Finding disability and veterans services

Learn more about United Way of the Laurel Highlands