Get Help Guide to Berks County Resources From United Way
United Way of Berks County runs a Get Help page that lists the main phone numbers and programs to call in Berks County for food, housing, utilities, prescriptions, jobs and mental health, and it offers a Get Help Guide you can download from the page. It is written for people facing unexpected gaps in income from rising costs, federal government shutdowns, delayed SNAP benefits and job instability, and the page sets no eligibility rules of its own.
The first step it suggests is PA 211, a one-stop information source for food, housing, utility, mental health and emergency assistance. Because call volume is high, text your zip code to 898-211 or use the PA 211 website to get connected faster. You may also dial 211 to place a call.
The guide walks you through sorting out your own situation: look at what essential bills are due in the next two weeks, what income or savings you have, and what benefits or resources you could apply for right now. When money is tight it tells you to cover survival and safety first. For food, use food pantries, meal sites and school meal programs, and call Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank at 610-926-5802 or call 211 for up-to-date locations and hours. For housing and utilities, contact your landlord or mortgage lender early about payment plans, apply for LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, as soon as it reopens, and ask any company you are behind with whether they offer hardship assistance, payment plans, a deferred payment or a lower minimum. Keep records of notices, bills and any assistance you apply for, since that may help later with housing court, rental assistance or reapplying for benefits. If you rely on childcare, talk to your provider about bridge support or sliding scale options. Ask your phone and internet company about hardship or low-income programs.
If your SNAP benefits have stopped or are late, log into your Compass account to check that your case was not closed for missing paperwork or recertification, call the PA DHS Helpline at 1-877-395-8930, or 1-215-560-7226 for Philadelphia, and call 211 for the nearest food pantries and meal sites.
For medicine costs, the page describes SingleCare, a no-cost prescription savings discount card that gives up to 80% off medication products at major pharmacies including Walmart, Walgreens and CVS. It is available free to anyone who wants help paying for prescriptions, whatever insurance you have.
Other numbers on the page: Centro Hispano at 610-685-1265; Berks County Area Agency on Aging at 610-478-6500 for seniors needing help with food, prescriptions and in-home care; PA CareerLink Berks County at 610-988-1300; the Veteran Crisis Line at 988, press 1; and 988 for mental health support. The page also suggests connecting with a faith leader, counselor or trusted friend, and notes your local library may offer free Wi-Fi, resources or a warm place to recharge.
United Way of Berks County is at 25 N. 2nd Street, Suite 101, Reading, PA 19601, and the number is 610-685-4550. The page does not give office hours or say whether anyone there will help you in person with the guide, so ask when you call.
Source: uwberks.org/guide-for-help, read September 18, 2026.
The details
In United Way of Berks County’s words
Many people in our community are facing unexpected gaps in income due to rising costs, federal government shutdowns, delayed SNAP benefits, and job instability. This resource shares practical steps to prioritize and to connect with critical resources. PA 211 is a one-stop information source for food, housing, utility, mental health, and emergency assistance.
Organization
United Way of Berks County
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from uwberks.org/guide-for-help. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.