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United Way 2-1-1 Call Volume Up Nearly 50 Percent in March & More Than 60 Percent to Date in April
In March, 2-1-1 operators fielded 8,027 calls from tri-county residents seeking assistance with food, shelter, medical care and other basic necessities. The number represents a 46 percent increase over March 2007, according to Heart of Florida United Way Community Services Vice President Larry Olness, who noted that April call volume is tracking 62 percent higher than this time last year.
Help in paying utility, rent and food bills rank as the top three reasons people are dialing 2-1-1, the free 24-hour resource line that links those in need with services provided by more than 800 community agencies
“At the same time many people are losing jobs, the price of everything from food to gasoline is rising,” said Olness. “It’s creating a new level of hardship for many in our community, including some middle-income residents who are seeking help for the first time.”
Patty Maddox, President and CEO of the Winter Park Health Foundation and a member of the 2-1-1 Advisory Committee, said increased demand for 2-1-1 assistance is consistent with what she and others in the local non-profit sector are witnessing.
“It’s pretty clear that the economic downturn is having the greatest impact on those who were already living close to the edge,” said Maddox. “When people are seeking help with basic elements like food, it’s an indication of the challenges we’re facing.”
Staffed by full-time operators and highly trained volunteers, United Way 2-1-1 received 105,762 calls last year. Given early indicators, Olness said he expects 2008 to be a busy year for the center, which was established in 2003 and is accredited by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Anyone who needs community assistance, can dial 2-1-1 for free information and referrals. Volunteer operators are also needed to meet increased call demand. To learn more about 2-1-1 and volunteer opportunities, visit www. hfuw.org or simply dial 2-1-1.
Your primary source for community resources
Today, life is easier for people in need. With the touch of three numbers, Central Florida residents can obtain information on health and human services. 2-1-1 provides resources for:
| •Food |
•Services for People with Disabilities |
•Clothing |
| •Housing Assistance |
•Services for Elders |
•Youth Programs |
| •Substance Abuse Treatment |
•Job Training |
•Volunteering |
| •Where to Donate |
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| •And hundreds of other resources... |
The service is free, confidential, multi-lingual, and available 24 hours a day.
2-1-1 came about when Central Florida collaborative named the Delta Group identified Information & Referral as a critical need with in the community.
Three years in the making, Central Florida’s 2-1-1 launched from Heart of Florida United Way’s office in July 2003.
Dial 2-1-1: It’s that easy! OR 407-839-HELP (4357)
www.211communityresources.org
“Empowering people through information” |