The 24-7, PA 211 Helpline is powered by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s social services system. A newly launched campaign is making a strong push to raise awareness over the summer months, a time of year when violence has historically risen.
For some communities, navigating to and through City services and programs can be challenging. But individuals and families in these neighborhoods don’t have to figure it out alone. The 211 Violence Prevention Helpline is a great place to start. It is staffed by trained, local Resource Navigators who are connectors and problem solvers, ready to provide support, without judgement.
Lots of local families are dealing with ongoing trauma or facing a crisis. The Helpline can connect folks to positive people, places and resources that are community-friendly and culturally specific.
The Helpline is FREE. Trained and caring Resource Navigators work 24/7 to help connect residents to City resources in these and other areas:
- Skills-building and Mentoring Programs for Youth and Young Adults
- Jobs and Job Training
- Counselling for Trauma and Crisis Support
- Conflict Intervention and Resolution
The Resource Navigator takes the time to confidentially understand each caller’s unique needs and interests, and then refers or connects them to programs in their community.
Callers can leave their information so that the Resource Navigator can follow-up with them later to make sure that a successful connection was made, and they got the support they needed.
Navigators can also connect youth and families to local resources not directly related to violence. Do you know someone in need of food, housing, childcare or help paying utility bills? PA 211 can help there too!
Contact Michael Waller, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey's Community Outreach Manager, to schedule a presentation or training for your organization and volunteers on how the 211 Violence Prevention Helpline can make a difference for families and neighborhoods across the city.
