United Way is a knowledge-driven organization, always striving to improve our understanding of community needs. We use data to make decisions and provide aid to people in need of assistance. Because United Way is a global organization, we have access to original research and data resources that provide in-depth insight on a national and global scale. We also conduct our own research regionally to ensure that we fully understand emerging and existing local needs.
Understand the Issues
PA 211 Southwest
Last year, 507,000 people in 30 counties contacted PA 211 Southwest for human services referrals. Contacts to 211 are carefully logged, providing a wealth of real-time data down to the ZIP code. Contact data is shared in real-time and is available to everyone, including nonprofit staff, government officials and the public.
ALICE
United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data tracks the true costs of meeting basic needs and shows how people are faring financially. ALICE gives a much more realistic picture than federal poverty guidelines, which calculate only how much is needed to afford a nutritious diet.
Our Advocacy Priorities
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has a long history of advocacy for human services, people with disabilities, education and child care, and 211. Our updated Policy and Advocacy platform will be available soon.
