Dutchess neighbors rely on 2-1-1 in tough times
Calls for emergency help in early 2010 wildly outpace 2009
The aftermath of the winter storm and our neighbors’ continuing economic uncertainties drove the number of Dutchess County callers to the Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 helpline to set an all-time record in the first quarter of 2010.
From January through March 4,167 Dutchess residents called the helpline versus 2,530 in the same period last year. The first-quarter calls represented 71% of the total calls made locally in all of 2009.
The numbers have grown steadily since the helpline was established five years ago as a collaborative effort of the United Ways of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, and community and government partners.
“Certainly the storm played a role in the spike during February, but other concerns such as low-income workers looking to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit to help their families drove the number of calls up as well,” said Anne M. Beaulieu, President and CEO of United Way of Dutchess County.
Calls to 2-1-1 referral helpline increase as economic gloom deepens for many in Dutchess and nearby counties
Distress calls expected to increase in deep winter months
The number of 2-1-1 helpline calls continues to rise each year. In 2009 the calls rose to 5,717 in Dutchess County alone.
And the worst is yet to come. The deep winter months, January through March, usually draw the highest number of 2-1-1 calls in Dutchess County.
Donor-supported 2-1-1: What it is
The 2-1-1 helpline is a collaborative effort of the United Ways of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, and community and government partners.
The 2-1-1 service reduces non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 and enhances efficiencies of state, local and non-profit organizations by decreasing misdirected calls.
Help from 2-1-1 by knowledgeable and caring call specialists comes in more than 150 languages and is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available as well via TTY.
“It’s the generous donations to United Way of Dutchess County’s Community Fund by our neighbors, colleagues, corporations, and by our other partners,” Anne Beaulieu points out, “that help fund 2-1-1 and, in turn, our area residents.”
