United Way of Bucks County team members, clients, volunteers and supporters have new headquarters in Levittown at which the organization's HELP Center serves as a coordinated hub to fill gaps for local families in need by providing essentials such as cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and home goods, free of charge.
HELP stands for 'Healthy Eating and Living Partnership' administered through dignified personal shopping experiences.
A grand opening was held on Sept. 10 at the new location, 2901 Edgely Road. The bright yellow, blue and red building previously was occupied by the Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
United Way of Bucks County CEO Marissa Christie says The HELP Center is a shopper-choice resource where anyone who lives or works in Bucks County can access food, clothing, drinks, household essentials, baby items, personal care products and more. While the Center is free to anyone who needs it, visitors must make appointments beforehand.
"All products at the HELP Center are new and free. We fill in for basic needs for others so they can focus on building self-sufficient futures," adds the leader of the nonprofit since December 2016.
The United Way group focuses on 'ALICE' households, an acronym for 'Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed,' Marissa explains. ALICE families are working families who earn above the federal poverty level, but struggle to afford essentials and often do not qualify for traditional government assistance. For example, many individuals and families across Bucks County are still recovering from recent job losses or unexpected medical expenses and have to choose between paying their bills or buying essentials like food or kitchen supplies.
Marissa says appointments at the HELP Center generally are scheduled through referrals from case managers affiliated with approved United Way of Bucks County member agencies, school representatives or faith-based organizations. Case managers or social workers can schedule such appointments, which typically last 30 minutes each.
"If you don't have a case manager or social worker through a nonprofit agency, school district or faith-based organization, you can request assistance directly," Marissa states. "Once an appointment request form is filed, a HELP Center representative will arrange an appointment."
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) secured $4.15 million in federal funding to support the new facility. “United Way’s HELP Center has become one of the most vital pillars of support for families in Bucks County facing hardship,” he confirms.
Demand for services has increased rapidly in recent years, indicates the United Way local staff. Since opening in 2020, the HELP Center’s scheduled visits alone have increased by more than 1,800%, with roughly 10,000 unique consumers now served each year. Guest feedback reflects the program’s impact: 99% recommend the HELP Center to a friend; 96% report saving money to direct to critical expenses such as rent and utilities; and 90% say their visit resolved a major challenge and reduced stress.
In addition to the “shopper choice” program for individuals, more than 100 nonprofits, schools and municipal partners serve as distribution points for HELP Center products, says Marissa. Community partners like Bucks County Opportunity Council, St. Mary Medical Center, Career Link’s Workforce on Wheels and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania provide services on-site, creating a robust network of support.
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