What is FIRST?

FIRST is the short way of saying "Free Information and Referral System Teleline."  "Information and Referral" is the process of linking people to services and information.  Our staff listen to you describe your situation and identify resources to help you.  FIRST serves people living in, or looking for information about, York County, Pennsylvania.

FIRST began in 1980 as the United Way's "Hotline for Help."  Over time, our service has grown dramatically from answering 800 phone calls a year to 37,000 calls. Callers ask for help with anything from food, shelter, rent and utility assistance to health care, legal assistance and job searches. 

FIRST is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by phone and our searchable database is on the web. 

Search Directory of York County, PA Services & Organizations