United Way's 2-1-1 Helpline for Health and Human Services Now Available 24/7

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Way's free, easy-to-remember phone number – 2-1-1 –  connecting residents of the five-county southeastern Pennsylvania region with important health and human services in their communities is now available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Powered by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ), in collaboration with North Penn United Way and the United Ways of Bucks County, Chester County, and Southern Chester County, 2-1-1 helps callers find information for everyday needs and in crisis situations. The phone number, which launched across southeastern Pennsylvania in February 2013, was previously available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"With one call to 2-1-1, members of our community can gain free, confidential access to thousands of programs and services that can improve the quality of their lives. Through this 24/7 expansion, more of our neighbors will have access to the resources they need, when they need them most," says Jim Cawley, president and CEO of UWGPSNJ.

Callers reach trained specialists who can help identify their needs and connect them to local human services organizations that specialize in meeting critical needs – food, shelter and safety; physical and mental health resources; employment supports; assistance for older adults and people with disabilities; and support for children, youth and families.

Information is available now seven days a week and 24 hours a day by calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.211sepa.org. TTY and language services are available in more than 170 languages and dialects.

For more information, visit www.211sepa.org or www.UnitedForImpact.org/211.

About United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, serving communities in Pennsylvania's Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and New Jersey's Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Cumberland counties, is part of a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and in people's lives. United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most significant local issues, develops strategies and pulls together financial and human resources to address them, and measures the results. United Way is advancing the common good in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey by positively impacting the lives of people throughout the region in the areas of education, income, and health. For more information about United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey visit www.UnitedForImpact.org.

SOURCE United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey