Online Tools to Connect Constituents to Services in PA September 12, 2019 n Nora L. Carreras, MPA Special Advisor to the Secretary ncarreras@pa.gov | 717.265.8446 Kristen Rotz, President United Way of Pennsylvania krotz@uwp.org | (717) 238-7365 x201

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

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.

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

Get help from a Resource Navigator Available 24/7/365 Available by phone, text, email 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 898-211 In an emergency, call 9-1-1

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

How to search PA 211’s resource database

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

Find your local United Way www.uwp.org/find-your- 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

Thank you.

Research

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 www.auntbertha.com

RESOURCES FOR CONSTITUENTS Community Action Agencies Website: https://www.thecaap.org Agencies serving all counties Agency locator: https://www.thecaap.org/agency-info/pa-community-action-agencies.html 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: https://www.thecaap.org/agency-info/caap-matrix.html

RESOURCES FOR CONSTITUENTS Other Resources Legal Aid https://palegalaid.net/ Legal services for low income individuals https://palegalaid.net/legal-aid-providers-in-pa

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

Open Discussion