United Way sees rapid increase in 211 callers
Topeka — The United Way's 211 help line has seen a rapid increase in callers compared to this time last year, and officials says the struggling economy is to blame.
In the last nine months, 211 has had nearly 20,000 calls from all across the state. In the same time period of 2008, 211 had just over 12,000 calls. In Shawnee County the numbers have nearly doubled, from 480 calls last year to over 900 calls this year.
United Way sees rapid increase in 211 callers
The United Way's 211 help line has seen a dramatic increase in call volume since this time last year.
United Way of Topeka's President Miriam Krehbiel says when people are in a crisis, the last thing they want to do is try and figure out which one of the thousands of organizations can best help their situation.
"211 is kind of this one stop phone call," Krehbiel said. "I don't need to look through a phone book to try and figure out which organization can help me. I have one number that I can call that will say here's all of the things you may need."
The United Way says the sudden increase in calls is a direct result of the struggling economy.
"There's more people turning to our services and more people in need," United Way of Topeka's Director of Communications Jamie Hornbacker said.
Another reason for the increase in calls is more people are aware of 211 and making use of its services.
Andrea Austin is a single mother of two, and Last September she broke her shoulder and was unable to work for a month. Bills started piling up, so she called 211 who put her in touch with the organization Doorstep.
"They were able to help me pay a full month's mortgage," Austin said."
United Way officials say they take pride in the help 211 has provided all across the state.
"I'm truly honored to be associated with 211 with all of the United Ways not just here in Kansas but across the nation," Krehbeil said. "This is something that is really making a difference in people's lives."
Krehbiel is still pushing to raise awareness, hoping one day 211 will be as familiar as 911.
Click here for more information on 211.
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