Calls for basic needs remain steady across the Bay Area
The slow pace of recovery – especially in the job market- has meant that there is an increased demand for community services, everything from food banks, to clothing or shelther needs. And more and more people are turning to 2-1-1 to fulfill that need. 2-1-1 phone service is a great resource for anyone who needs access to basic needs or other community services. Its free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Between 2008 and 2009, calls to 2-1-1 in Napa County more than doubled from 463 to 984 callers. This is part of trend we’re seeing across the Bay Area. Residents reeling from layoffs, or cutbacks in their hours and pay, and other economic troubles, have increasingly looked to 2-1-1 for part of their solution. Around the Bay Area, calls are up around 39% – with 55% of those being for basic needs that include clothing, food, transportation and income related needs. The trend is the same in Napa which was highlighted in a recent Napa Valley Register article.
As noted in this article, in Napa County, about 52 percent of requests are for food, shelter, clothing and utility assistance, with housing needs topping the list, accounting for 35 percent of the needs identified by Napa callers.”
Without 2-1-1, people make on average 10 phone calls to receive the help they need for just one issue. Sadly this leads many to give up—letting their problems multiply. 2-1-1 provides a simple solution. With just one phone call, Bay Area residents are connected to the help they need. To learn more visit 2-1-1. To give help or get help, call 2-1-1 today.
