PA 211 East

05/29/2026

In Lancaster County, more than 1 in 3 households are living as ALICE—working families who are still struggling to afford basic needs like housing.

PA 211 is often where these neighbors turn when they don’t know where else to go.

In April, the top needs reported through 211 reflected the growing strain on housing stability:

- Homelessness prevention
- Homelessness services (shelter, intake)
- Apartments and other housing needs
- Domestic violence shelters

☎️ 211 received 557 calls related to housing concerns, with 475 individuals connected to housing resources and support.

Behind every call is a neighbor facing difficult choices—seeking stability, safety, and a path forward.

🏠 We will continue sharing monthly insights to highlight the needs in our community and the critical role 211 plays in supporting ALICE families.

05/28/2026

☎️Quote of the Day☎️
#211

05/22/2026

Our Director had the opportunity to join PA 211 staff in Louisville, Kentucky for Inform USA’s annual conference. This conference allows staff to not only earn continuing education credits toward the certifications they hold, but the ability to connect and learn from our peers across the network.

We’re extremely grateful to have been able to attend with our colleagues from across the state.

PA 211 team members were proud to join community navigation and information & referral professionals from across the U.S. and Canada at the 2026 Inform USA "Going the Distance” Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

From sharing best practices to learning alongside peers who are advancing the future of information & referral services, this gathering reinforced the importance of strong, human-centered connections to resources and support. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring new ideas, insights, and energy back to Pennsylvania.

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, PA 211 Southwest, United Way of Lancaster County, PA, PA 211 East

04/27/2026

In Lancaster County, more than 1 in 3 households are living as ALICE—working families who are still struggling to afford basic needs like housing.

PA 211 is often where these neighbors turn when they don’t know where else to go.

In March, the top needs reported through 211 reflected the growing strain on housing stability:

- Homelessness services (shelter, intake)
- Homelessness prevention
- Apartments and other housing needs
- Domestic violence shelters

☎️ 211 received 594 calls related to housing concerns, with 479 individuals connected to housing resources and support.

Behind every call is a neighbor facing difficult choices—seeking stability, safety, and a path forward.

🏠 We will continue sharing monthly insights to highlight the needs in our community and the critical role 211 plays in supporting ALICE families.

03/26/2026

Recently Kate Zimmerman, President & CEO of United Way of Lancaster County, and Patricia Espinosa-Vargas, Director of PA 211 East, attended Hill Day at our state capitol. They joined other United Way leaders to make sure our voices are heard and our impact is not taken for granted as future legislation is considered.

Thank you both for your representation & advocacy!

03/25/2026

We're incredibly thrilled to partner with Cleveland Mediation Center to train 211 staff and 18 organizations across Lancaster & Berks Counties on shelter/homelessness diversion. Over the next two days our team will learn how to apply the empowerment theory of conflict to crisis, conflict resolution approaches, outcomes and more.

We'll soon be expanding our approach in 211 to include more homelessness prevention/diversion techniques to help our neighbors whom are at-risk of homelessness. Stay tuned for more!

Thanks to our friends at Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition & YWCA Lancaster for allowing us use of their beautiful space!

#211

03/18/2026

Quote of the Day
#211

02/27/2026

☎️ Quote of the Day ☎️

#211

02/20/2026

Recently, our PA 211 East Director, Patricia, was quoted in a United Way of Berks County Blog Post: "Under Pressure: Nonprofits Navigate Rising Needs and Shrinking Resources."

🔗Follow this link to read more about how she addressed this growing concern.
https://www.uwberks.org/blog/under-pressure-nonprofits-navigate-rising-needs/

#211 🎉

02/12/2026