United Way of Berks County is sharing a\u00a0Community Resource Guide for residents facing challenges with SNAP benefits, income disruptions and other stresses resulting from the state budget impasse and federal government shutdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we connect with many local service providers, we know individuals and families across our community are facing significant uncertainty in the face of the state budget impasse, coupled with the federal government shutdown,\u201d Tammy White, president of United Way of Berks County, said in a release. \u201cThis guide outlines practical steps to prioritize and connect with critical resources during a time when people are facing reductions or delays in SNAP benefits, income disruptions and mounting financial stress.\u201d<\/p>\n
The organization worked with area nonprofits and partners to compile the online guide, which White described as a helpful starting point for those unsure of where to turn next.<\/p>\n
Resources include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Steps for accessing food, housing and utility assistance.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Help checking benefit status or resolving issues.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Resources for mental health, child care and more.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Local contacts including PA 211, Helping Harvest, Centro Hispano, CareerLink and others.<\/p>\n
A primary resource, PA211 is a one-stop source for information on food, housing, utility, mental health and emergency assistance.<\/p>\n
The service offers trained, bilingual specialists who can provide information and referral services.<\/p>\n
Individuals can connect with the service by dialing 211, texting your ZIP code to 898-211 or using the online chat feature on the PA211 website, east.pa211.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n