PA 211 East and Lancaster Public Library Expand Access to Community Resources Through In-Person Navigation Services
Residents seeking help with housing, food, financial assistance, childcare, healthcare, and other essential needs can now connect directly with trained resource navigators at the Lancaster Public Library through a new partnership between PA 211 East and the Lancaster Public Library at 151 N. Queen Street.
The initiative brings PA 211 East's trusted resource navigation services into the library three days each week, creating a convenient, welcoming space where neighbors can receive personalized support and connections to local services in-person.
Using PA 211 East's comprehensive database of health and human services, resource navigators help individuals and families identify programs and supports that meet their needs. Staff are also trained in homelessness diversion practices and can assist individuals experiencing housing instability with coordinated entry services.
"Accessing help can be overwhelming, especially when someone is facing multiple challenges at once," said Patricia Espinosa-Vargas, Director of PA 211 East. "By bringing resource navigation directly into a trusted community space like the Lancaster Public Library, we're making it easier for neighbors to connect with the services, programs, and opportunities that can help them thrive."
Lissa Holland, Executive Director of the Lancaster Public Library said "The collaboration with PA 211 East aligns with Lancaster Public Library’s long-standing role as a trusted community space where people come not just for books, but for connection and reliable information."
The partnership recognizes the vital role libraries play as community hubs while expanding the range of support available to visitors. While library staff provide expert assistance with information and educational resources, PA 211 East navigators offer specialized knowledge of health and human service programs throughout Lancaster County and beyond.
Services are available at the Lancaster Public Library on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during regular library hours.
During the program's first week, resource navigators served 15 neighbors and provided 35 referrals to community resources. Requests ranged from tax preparation assistance and volunteer opportunities to housing support and general information about local services.The early response demonstrates the broad range of needs community members bring to the library and highlights the value of having dedicated resource navigation available on-site.
"While many people know 211 as a phone number, text service, or online resource, this partnership creates another access points for neighbors who may prefer face-to-face interaction, and more importantly meets them where they already are.," said Kate Zimmerman, President & CEO of United Way of Lancaster County. "We're grateful to the Lancaster Public Library for partnering with us to strengthen access to resources and support for our community."
PA 211 East connects residents with health and human service resources across eastern Pennsylvania, helping individuals and families navigate challenges related to housing, food, healthcare, employment, childcare, and more.
Community members can visit the resource navigation table at the Lancaster Public Library on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays or contact PA 211 East by dialing 211, texting their ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting east.pa211.org.