1. Online Tools to Connect Constituents to Services in PA September 12, 2019 n
Nora L. Carreras, MPA Special Advisor to the Secretary |
Kristen Rotz, President
United Way of Pennsylvania
| (717) x201

2. Resource & Referral Tool
Webinar Content
Background Information
United Way of PA
PA 211
Homelessness Coordinated Entry
United Way – Agency Locator (for Leg. Offices Reference/ Not constituents)
Aunt Bertha Public Site
Community Action Network
Legal Aid
DHS - Statewide Resources and Referral Tool
Q&A

3. Locally-supported resources for Pennsylvanians in need
To ensure that the UNITED WE FIGHT. UNITED WE WIN. Artwork is on top of the photo you may have to click on photo box and select to SEND TO BACK.

4. What is PA 211?
Locally supported resources in Pennsylvania, partnered with United Way
Network of five regional contact centers connected by one statewide resource database.
Database specialists cover the Commonwealth
PA 211 provides unmatched, critical service and expert, caring help
Makes the social services network more efficient
Exemplifies United Way’s mission to advance the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community

5. Get help from a Resource Navigator
Available 24/7/365
Available by phone, text, or web in most regions
Free and confidential connections to health and community services
Call for yourself, a client or a friend
Text zip code to
In an emergency, call 9-1-1

6. Search PA 211’s Database
Publicly available resource directory contains 34,770 active services
Information is updated by a small team of dedicated 211 resource specialists
Information is supplemented by strong local connections of United Way staff
Together, the resource specialists and United Way partners are out at community meetings every day, gathering info to help strengthen the PA 211 database
Keyword search and guided search are currently available through PA 211 regional web sites at the county and zip code level
Our search output needs improvement – and we are working to deliver an end product that meets the expectations of today’s customer

7. How to search PA 211’s resource database

8. 211 is Front Door for Accessing Housing and Homeless Services
Coordinated entry is an example of efficiency in human service delivery
Coordinated entry also gives PA better data about the homeless in their communities
211 is the access point in 37 counties
If the constituent does not meet HUD’s criteria for homeless or immediately at risk of being homeless, 211 will try to connect the individual to other resources in the community

9. Find your local United Way
united-way
Knowledgeable about people-serving organizations in the community
Opportunities for public/private partnership
PA 211 is United Way’s partner for information and referral – individual inquiries should be directed to 211

10. Thank you.

11. Research

12. RESOURCES FOR CONSTITUENTS
Aunt Bertha – Free/Public site to search for programs
Information on services by location
Contact information
Services
Eligibility requirements
Hours of operation

13. RESOURCES FOR CONSTITUENTS
Community Action Agencies
Website:
Agencies serving all counties
Agency locator:
Services:
Financial self-sufficiency programs
Case management
Housing/rental assistance
Early childhood education
Employment programs
WIC
Search agencies for list of services and contact information
Services Matrix:

14. RESOURCES FOR CONSTITUENTS
Other Resources
Legal Aid
Legal services for low income individuals

15. Resource & Referral Tool
A platform for anyone to find information about organizations and services
A system to connect individuals with services / make referrals
A uniform approach to assessing someone’s needs and making sure they receive the services they need
A platform for care teams / case managers to work together
Improve care / effective utilization of resources
Avoid service duplication
Obtain information on referral outcomes – closed loop
Reduce the number of times a client provides the same information

16. Open Discussion