FOCUS AREA: SUPPORT IN CRISIS
support in crisis
Providing immediate help when it’s needed most
Are you ready to reach out a helping hand to those in crisis?
When you partner with us, we can unite our neighbors to provide immediate relief to those facing crisis across the Berks community.
PA 211 is a local helpline that connects individuals and families to local, essential community services. 211 centers are staffed by trained specialists who assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek.
Call center specialists also facilitate calls and questions from those interested in volunteering or donating items.
We offer assistance to Berks County residents in several key areas:
- Housing
- Food
- Utility bills
- Disaster recovery
- Crisis/mental health counseling
Simply dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 to talk with a resource specialist at no cost to you.
24/7 — 365 — 240 Languages — Confidential — Free
A Story of Crisis Support in Berks County
When a severe storm caused flash flooding across Berks County, families were suddenly displaced and required immediate help.
The American Red Cross PA Rivers Chapter mobilized immediately, providing emergency shelter, meals, cleanup kits, and financial assistance to the residents impacted by flooding and home fires. Over the course of the response, Red Cross teams were able to help more than 100 families when they needed it most.
This disaster response is a powerful example of how agency partners like the Red Cross can help communities recover during moments of crisis.
United Way Agency Partners and Supported Programs
| Agency Partner | Supported Programs |
|---|---|
| American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter | Disaster relief services providing immediate emergency needs. Transportation for local veterans to receive healthcare. |
| Boyertown Area Multi Services, Inc. | Basic needs assistance to individuals and families in need. |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES, Diocese of Allentown | Case management and counseling services for veterans and their families. |
| Centro Hispano Daniel Torres | Bilingual and bicultural information and referral services to help members of the Latino community gain self-sufficiency. |
| Family Promise of Berks County, Inc. | The U-Turn program serves homeless teens and young adults up to age 22 with advocacy, case management, shelter, permanent housing, and a Drop-In Center. |
| Friend, Inc. Community Services | Information and referral to community resources for people in the northeastern portion of Berks County. Food pantry and emergency assistance with utilities and other financial needs. |
| Jewish Family Service: A program of the Jewish Federation of Reading | Services to help individuals and families with food, transportation, case management, and information and referral services. |
| MidPenn Legal Services | Legal representation for low-income clients to help them access basic needs. |
| New Journey Community Outreach, Inc. | NJCO operates the largest Soup Kitchen in downtown Reading and a weekly Food Pantry that focuses on the immediate and long-term health implications of receiving a nutritious daily meal and supplemental groceries. |
| Opportunity House | Emergency shelter services for men, women, children, and families. |
| Safe Berks | Crisis intervention for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including a 24-hour hotline in English and Spanish. Emergency temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. |
| The Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc | Emergency assistance with utility and rent costs to prevent homelessness. |
| The Salvation Army: Reading Corps | Emergency assistance programs to help with utility costs, rent costs, prescriptions, food, and clothing. |
| The Salvation Army: Service Extension Unit | Crisis intervention, disaster services and emergency assistance to individuals and families in need in Northern Berks. |