2-1-1 Helpline Serves as Entry Point to Westchester’s Eviction Prevention Services
As housing costs continue to rise throughout Westchester County, many working families find themselves struggling to keep up with rent payments and facing the threat of eviction. The increase in housing insecurity is even leaving middle-income households vulnerable to displacement and homelessness when unexpected financial challenges arise.
To help stabilize communities and address housing insecurity, Westchester County developed the Westchester County Office of Housing Counsel (OHC). This groundbreaking program provides free legal representation and eviction prevention services to eligible tenants, and United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s 211 Helpline is proud to serve as the primary access point for these services.
Through United Way’s 211 Helpline, residents facing eviction, rent disputes, loss of essential services, or other housing challenges can now access comprehensive support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. United Way’s professionally trained call specialists will assess callers’ needs and connect them directly with appropriate legal service providers, counseling programs, and financial assistance resources. All services are coordinated under the OHC program.
“Housing is a fundamental human right, something that the County’s new Office of Housing Counsel will ensure for all Westchester County residents,” said United Way of Westchester and Putnam President and CEO Tom Gabriel. “The United Way, through its 211 Helpline, is honored to support this new initiative and serve as an entry point to assistance for people facing eviction or dealing with housing insecurity.”
United Way’s 211 Helpline offers health and human services information, referral, assessment, and crisis support to help callers find the assistance they need to address the everyday challenges of living, as well as those that develop during times of disaster and other community emergencies. With translation services available in over 200 languages and specialists accessible 24 hours, 7 days a week through phone or online at www.211hudsonvalley.org, the 211 Helpline ensures equitable access to these life-changing resources.
Article based on reporting by Westchester County (2025).
Read more about the program here.