United Way Erie preps for PA211 Day

United Way Erie preps for PA211 Day

Virtual event set to celebrate United Way's helpline services in Northwestern Pennsylvania

United Way Erie is currently preparing for next week's PA211 Day, aptly taking place on Thurs., Feb. 11. The virtual event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and see appearances from special guests, including County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper as well as City of Erie Mayor Joe Schember.

According to a release from United Way Erie, what once began as a group for fundraising has now evolved into "a critical community impact organization mobilizing local partners - including businesses, community leaders and community residents - to break the cycle of poverty and expand opportunities for people to become self-sufficient." 

 One of the goals of PA211 Day is to highlight the needs of the Erie area, as presented by reports created by United Way Erie, and help organizations better target them and transform the Erie community. Those reports will be made public during the event and released biannually. They consist of data collected from calls to the 211 helpline, noting demographics, needs, number of requests, and "comparative data at the state level." 

211 is a 24-hour Pennsylvania social service hotline available every day of the year to those who need it. The service is available without charge to users.

 More information on PA211 Day can be found at unitedwayerie.org and unitedwayerie.org/211