LOCK HAVEN — Across the Commonwealth, the United Way of Pennsylvania and PA211 are recognizing the vital role the call service plays in communities statewide today, Feb. 11.

PA 211 is a service which offers Pennsylvanian’s in crisis a way to connect with services that will help their needs, such as housing, food banks and more.

According to statistics shared by the United Way of North Central PA, in 2025, PA 211 provided 743,631 referrals to individuals and families in need — an increase of 79,144 referrals from 2024.

Behind every number is a person: a parent trying to keep the heat on during a cold snap, a senior choosing between medication and groceries, a worker navigating a sudden job loss, or a family searching for stable housing, the release said.

Clinton County United Way Director Carleigh Johnson emphasized the importance of PA 211 and how it and the non-profit’s goals align.

“PA 211 is a vital lifeline for Clinton County residents, connecting individuals and families to the help they need, exactly when they need it. Whether someone is facing a crisis or simply doesn’t know where to turn, one call or text to 211 opens the door to trusted local resources,” Johnson told The Express. “At the Clinton County United Way, we believe access to information is the first step toward stability, and PA 211 strengthens our entire community by ensuring no one has to navigate challenges alone.”

The Clinton County United Way offers a multitude of resources for those in the community who may be struggling to make ends meet with help from its partner agencies.

The partner agencies include: Annie Halenbake Ross Library, Clinton County Library on Wheels; Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnston, Emergency Financial Assistance program; Clinton County 4-H; Clinton County Community Dental Clinic; Clinton County Housing Coalition; Roads to Peace; Horses of Hope; Infant Development Program; Lock Haven Area YMCA; The New Love Center; North Central Sight Services; Salvation Army of Renovo; Scouting America Susquehanna Council; Western Clinton County Recreation Center; and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

These partner agencies provide access to financial assistance, housing, educational materials for children, food and more for those in need in Clinton County. All of which one can be directed to through the United Way or by contact PA 211.

According to statistics shared on the Clinton County United Way’s website, the non-profit organization helped 15,000 county residents in 2025.

It also completed 7,826 hours of services provided through its programming and contributed $2,500,699 to the community in the past 20 years.

It was noted by Kristen Rotz, president of the United Way of Pennsylvania, that many of those who utilize PA 211 aren’t looking for help in just one instance.

“Last year, Pennsylvanians rarely asked PA 211 for help with just one issue. Individuals struggling with housing instability are also trying to put food on the table, keep the lights on, navigate child care or identify employment resources. As demand rises, the need for a strong, statewide, coordinated 211 system has never been more critical to help communities respond effectively,” according Rotz.

The importance of PA 211 in these instances was emphasized by PA 211’s Vice President Emily Aubele.

“Every day, PA 211’s Resource Navigators listen to stories of resilience and hardship,” said Aubele. “When someone dials 211, they are often at a breaking point — and in that moment, real people are providing real support and creating real connection to local resources to change the trajectory of an individual’s crisis.”

According to information shared in United Way of North Central PA’s release, this year’s PA 211 Day marks a pivotal moment for the service.

In his 2026-27 proposed budget, Governor Josh Shapiro included a $250,000 increase to PA 211 — raising the state’s investment from $750,000 to $1 million, the release said.

“United Way of Pennsylvania and PA 211 are grateful to the Shapiro Administration for recognizing the essential role 211 plays as a partnership that strengthens community stability and ensures Pennsylvanians can access help when they need it most,” Rotz said.

State investment is critical to sustain the service for all 67 counties, maintain accurate and up-to-date community resource connections and assure any Pennsylvanian in need can speak with trained Resource Navigators, the release said.

As call volumes and referrals continue to climb, this increased funding signals a starting point on the shared commitment that is required to keep this lifeline strong for all in our commonwealth.

On this PA 211 Day, United Way of Pennsylvania encourages residents, partners and lawmakers to recognize the impact of 211. Behind nearly three-quarters of a million referrals are stories of hope restored, crises de-escalated and families stabilized.

When Pennsylvanians call, text or chat with PA 211, a real person answers. Beyond referrals, 211 also provides valuable, real-time data that helps state and local leaders understand emerging trends like rising housing costs and increased demand for food and utility assistance. This information is vital so communities can plan and respond proactively.

A guided search for community resources and chat is also available at www.pa211.org. To chat with a 211 Resource Navigator on the website, start a search for resources and select the option to chat.

To learn more about the resources the Clinton County United Way provides, visit www.clintoncountyunitedway.org.