Helpline calls reveal portrait of a community still in recovery
Despite indications that the economy may be rebounding, new data from Mass2-1-1, United Way’s statewide helpline for health and human services, reveals that calls for help from Massachusetts residents continue to grow. In 2009, 2-1-1 answered more than 50,000 calls for help in Massachusetts. Comparison data measured over the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) shows a significant increase of nearly 45% in call volume across the Commonwealth between FY2008 and FY2009. In some regions including Merrimack Valley, Fall River, and New Bedford call volume increased by more than 120%.
Some of the increase in call volume can be explained by additional outreach that United Way has funded to ensure that more residents know where to turn for help. Overwhelmingly however, 2009 calls have focused on accessing help for basic needs including, mortgage and rental assistance, food services and utility shut-off prevention. Calls in 2009 included:
- 7,654 calls for rent payment assistance
- 10,384 calls relating to electric, gas or other fuel and utility needs
- 2,842 calls seeking information on emergency shelters, and
- 1,586 calls looking for information on local food pantries
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