Sen. Brewster Urges Use of 2-1-1 Human Service Hotline

McKeesport, February 22, 2013 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today urged local citizens to take advantage of a free 2-1-1 telephone hotline service that connects people from 11 southwestern Pennsylvania counties with information on customized community, health, housing and human services.

“PA 2-1-1 Southwest is a good tool for seniors and other local people who have difficulty accessing information or traveling,” Brewster said. “By simply dialing 2-1-1, you can talk to a trained Resource Navigator who can connect you to numerous human services resources throughout the community.”

Brewster said the 24-hour-per day hotline links callers to over 7,000 available services.

The hotline is currently available in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, Indiana, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Further expansion will soon take PA 2-1-1 Southwest into Beaver, Greene and Lawrence counties.

“If 2-1-1 is not yet operational where you are, call (888)-553-5778 to reach a 2-1-1 Resource Navigator,” Brewster said.

Funded through the United Way, Brewster said the free service is a great informational clearing house on everything from becoming a volunteer to caring for an elderly relative. Whether someone is seeking help paying their rent, grocery or utility bills or unaware of their options during a whether disaster, the service can provide reliable information and productive contacts for people on a wide range of services and programs.

Brewster said citizens can learn more about the 2-1-1 service online at www.pa211sw.org.

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