United Way: calls for aid at record level

United Way 211, a non-emergency help call line, received a record number of phone calls in July and August. The call volume, 2,172 for July and over 3,200 for August, is larger than any non-hurricane month since 211's inception in 2003. The August call volume was a 48 percent increase over last year's same month volume.

Recent employment and economic have contributed to the high rate of calls, officials said. Whether individuals need help finding immediate assistance for food or utilities, or longer-term help such as budgeting, job training or securing adequate care for a child or an aging parent, United Way 211 is there to put them in touch with the right resource. People in need often don't know where to turn. In many cases, people end up going without the necessary services because they do not know where to start. United Way 211 helps people find help.

"United Way 211 currently has a database of over 450 agencies and 700 programs that enable our specialists to meet the needs of the people of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties," said Linda Pankow, Director of United Way 211. "We are a single entry point into a complex network of health and social services. Our community has many available services but locating the appropriate resource can be confusing. We simplify the process by providing the linkage between the person in need and the agency that can provide the help."

The United Way 211 line operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week, serving the elderly, disabled and non-English speakers; those who are incapacitated by crisis or who are new to the community; employers, service providers and businesses searching for help for employees and clients. ¦