News

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to think about how we can prepare ourselves, our families, and our communities before an emergency happens.

Preparedness starts at home, but strong community response also depends on trusted relationships, resources, and systems that are ready before disaster strikes. Across Pennsylvania, United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP), PA 211, and local United Ways work together and alongside community partners to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

A Network Ready to Respond

When floods, fires, severe storms, or other emergencies impact a community, United Ways are often uniquely positioned to understand what their neighbors need and bring people and resources together.

Depending on the needs of their community, United Ways may coordinate basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene items, and other emergency assistance. They can help organize volunteers, share trusted information through local networks and media, and bring together nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and community leaders to address immediate needs and plan for long-term recovery.

UWP helps strengthen and connect this statewide network, supporting coordination, sharing information and resources, and helping local United Ways learn from and support one another when communities are in crisis.

PA 211 Connects People, Resources, and Real-Time Needs

PA 211 provides another critical piece of the disaster response network, helping connect people to verified resources while giving partners a clearer picture of needs as they emerge.

PA 211 works alongside the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and local Community Organizations Active in Disaster, the Department of Human Services, United Ways, and other response partners. During an emergency, PA 211 can provide 24/7 intake support, connect residents to available resources, track emerging needs, and help partners identify gaps in support.

PA 211’s case management tools can also support longer-term recovery by securely coordinating information across organizations and following up with households that still need assistance.

Partnerships help expand the resources available to communities, too. Through PA 211’s partnership with Airbnb.org, for example, eligible individuals and families displaced by fires, floods, and other disasters can be referred for free, temporary housing.

Preparedness Starts Before Disaster Strikes

The strongest disaster response begins long before an emergency. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity for all of us to know our local risks, create or review an emergency plan, gather essential supplies, and make sure everyone in our household knows where to find trusted information and help.

It is also a reminder of the importance of strong community connections. When disaster strikes, no single organization can meet every need. By connecting the statewide reach of UWP and PA 211 with the local knowledge, relationships, and leadership of United Ways and our partners across the Commonwealth, we can help communities respond today and build resilience for tomorrow.