Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 17 – 23, 2024 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is a time to acknowledge the challenges that too many individuals and families face daily. In Pennsylvania, these issues impact a significant portion of our population, straining local resources and intensifying the need for sustainable solutions. United Way of...

In honor of National Information & Referral (I&R) Day, celebrated annually on November 16th, PA 211 reflects the crucial role of I&R services across the Commonwealth. In times of crisis, uncertainty, or when navigating complex social systems, individuals often find themselves in need of support and guidance. This is where Information & Referral (I&R) services...

United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP) Digital Equity Consulting Corps (DECC) aims to bridge thedigital divide by promoting access to digital literacy and broadband adoption for underservedpopulations. This project targets low-income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, criminaljustice involved individuals, ALICE households, and rural residents to fully participate in the digitaleconomy by addressing barriers such as broadband...

United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP) proudly joins United Way Worldwide (UWW) in unveiling a refreshed brand strategy that reaffirms its commitment to transforming lives and communities across the Commonwealth. As part of this global network, United Way of Pennsylvania is excited to align with this strategic update, which underscores the organization’s adaptability and ongoing impact....

Earlier this week, Emily Aubele, Vice President of PA 211, delivered a compelling presentation at the Keystone Emergency Management Association (KEMA) conference. The presentation was titled “Leveraging PA 211 for Disaster Response and Community Recovery.” The session highlighted PA 211’s integral role in providing essential services and support during emergencies, from natural disasters to public...

In celebration of Digital Inclusion Week (Oct 7 – 11), PA 211 reflects on the efforts to support communities through Digital Navigation In today’s digital age, access to the internet and the necessary tools to navigate it have become essential for daily life. However, millions of Pennsylvanians still struggle with digital access, whether due to...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been awarded funding through the Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) grant program to improve the Find My Ride program. This web-based platform is designed to serve as a comprehensive one-stop shop for human services transportation across the state, enabling individuals to easily find and book transportation services....

Too Small to Fail, the early education initiative of the Clinton Foundation, launched a commitment to reach families across Pennsylvania with information and tools to support early literacy, in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (BBF) and the United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP). Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton made the announcement at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual...

As the summer comes to a close, PA 211 reflects on a season filled with extraordinary efforts to support communities across Pennsylvania facing unexpected challenges. From natural disasters to critical infrastructure issues, PA 211 has been at the forefront, coordinating assistance and providing essential services to those in need. Here’s a look back at some...

In response to the recent water advisory issued by Pennsylvania American Water, PA 211 swiftly took action to assist community members who faced difficulties accessing bottled water. Understanding the needs of those with disabilities, seniors, and individuals without transportation, PA 211 worked closely with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to respond.  Community members and volunteers...

United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP) extends its gratitude to Verizon for their generous $50,000 grant, which will significantly enhance our efforts to promote digital equity across the state. This funding is crucial as we work to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can access the expanding broadband infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. As Pennsylvania’s Broadband Development Authority...

Next week, United Way of Pennsylvania staff will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2024 Advocacy Forum & Capitol Hill Day, along with over 150 colleagues from across the United States.  The event, hosted by United Way Worldwide, will bring together passionate individuals to learn together and advocate for our 2024 federal priorities....

Pennsylvania’s new state budget fails ALICE on multiple fronts – it does not provide targeted, meaningful tax relief that these workers need. This budget also fails to deliver any public investment that addresses the shortage of available child care in Pennsylvania. These households, who generally earn too much to qualify for most public programs, and...

Statement on the Supreme Court’s Ruling in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson On Friday, June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, upholding local ordinances that ban homeless people from sleeping and camping in public places. Under this rule, localities will be able...

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) announced the recipients of the new round for funding for housing programs made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. UWP’s application for “Eastern PA CoC & Western PA CoC Landlord Engagement” will be funded along with 322 housing and community development initiatives across the...

On June 6, 10 local United Ways and front-line PA 211 workers traveled to Harrisburg to advocate for an increase in funding for PA 211. During the press conference, PA 211 team members talked about their life experiences, how 211 helped them in times of need or how they wished they had known about the...

Wage growth offset by stubborn inflation and the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits were some of the contributing factors to the highest numbers of households experiencing financial hardship in Pennsylvania in 2022. Though wages for the lowest paid jobs have risen across the country at the fastest rate in four decades, the number of...

On Wednesday, May 15, United Way of Pennsylvania’s President Kristen Rotz, presented United Way of Lawrence County Executive Director Gayle Young with the inaugural Distinguished Leader Award. This award was created by member chief professional officers to recognize a peer for positive leadership, creativity and innovation, as well as dedication to the mission and vision...

UWP seeks an experienced Office Coordinator professional to support our high-functioning team of in-office and remote workers. The successful candidate possess excellent organizational skills, the ability to coordinate multiples tasks, and finds joy in doing their part to contribute to our mission by supporting our internal team, including staff and boards of directors. They are...

New partnership with PA 211 and Chester County Creates integration of 211 and 988 Services via the Chester County Human Needs Network. PA 211 and Chester County have partnered to provide Chester County residents with a one stop shop for assistance with basic needs and mental health services.The Human Needs Network will serve as a...

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley raised a record-breaking $25,002,145 during its annual fundraising campaign, marking 14 consecutive years of growth for the nonprofit. The campaign was chaired by Tony and Adrienne DaRe of BSI Corporate Benefits, with a specific emphasis on the region’s rising mental health needs. The campaign was led by BSI...

Aging Our Way, PA is a 10-year roadmap to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s older adults and improve services for this rapidly growing population. The roadmap aims to address the issues of accessibility and affordability for housing, transportation, communication and information, social participation, digital equity and access, as well as other important aspects of...

United Way of Bucks County has partnered with county commissioners to declare March as ALICE Awareness Month, recognizing families like Rachel who have benefited from the LIFT United program. The acronym stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families. The proclamation, signed by the Board of Bucks County Commissioners, aims to encourage community engagement,...