ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Calls For Help Explode





Looking for another indication of how difficult things have become as the nation’s economy has gone into a tailspin?

Look at the number of calls for assistance received by First Call For Help/211.

Among other things, FCFH/211 operates an information and referral service that can sometimes link persons in need with groups, organizations, or agencies that can provide assistance.

For 2008, the call volume from Fulton County alone was up. Not a few calls here or there, not a few percentage points. No, some call volumes were up from 259% to as high as 1,300%.

Food assistance calls, up from 46 in 2007 to 279, an increase of 233, or 506%.

Utility assistance calls, up from 88 to 586 in 2008, an increase of 498, or 565%.

Prescription assistance calls increased from 20 to 136, a rise of 116, or 580%.

In 2008, 144 calls were received, seeking assistance during the Christmas season. That was up by 129, or 860%.

People seeking help with furniture or appliances went from 11 to 156, an increase of 145, which translates to 1,318%.

Calls for shelter assistance: up from 53 in 2007 to 215 in 2008, a hike of 162, or about 305%.

Rental assistance calls, from 81 in 2007 to 396 in 2008, an increase of 315, or almost 389%.

In 2007, there was one call for assistance with a foreclosure. In 2008, there were 27 calls, a whopping 2,600% increase.

New Calls

Jenny Hoeffel, development and public relations director for FCFH/211, said the organization is seeing a new volume of calls from people who could make it, if they were working.

“We’re seeing more new people who need the basics,” she said.

FCFH/211 can’t provide direct assistance, she said, but Hoeffel said a caller and a FCFH employee can “explore support systems that are out there.”

Pheobie Hanover, of FCFH/211, said when individuals call for help, they’re often overwhelmed.

“They need to hear a friendly voice giving them options,” she said.

“Our call volume is up in specifi c areas related to the economy,” she said.

Always Available

First Call For Help/211 is open 24 hours a day.

“We never close,” Hoeffel said.

Callers can use the toll-free number, 800-468-4357, or in Fulton County, simply dial 2-1- 1.

First Call For Help/211 receives most of its funding from the Four County Board of Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services.

Hoeffel said, “In this economy, a lot of people don’t think they qualify for services, but they actually do.”


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