New Mass211 call data reveals need for help with housing and utilities

BOSTON – There are new reports out almost daily about rising costs of food, fuel and utilities and the economic uncertainties facing many families in the region. But new information from Mass211– the state’s hotline for human services information and referral launched last year by United Way—reveals just how many residents are calling for help.

Data from the fiscal year that ended June 30 reveals that Mass211 received over 14,100 calls from the Greater Boston region for information ranging from consumer services to education and health care. But the overwhelming majority – 80 percent – of callers from greater Boston asked for information about assistance with basic needs. The hotline received nearly 10,000 calls for information related to food, housing and utility assistance.

“The Mass211 call data paints a very real picture of the fact that more and more families are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to get by,” said Michael K. Durkin, president and chief executive officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “It’s not an easy time for anyone right now, but as a community, we need to come together to ensure that families in financial crisis are supported and that the basic needs of all Massachusetts children are met.”

211 was established by the Federal Communications Commission as the national number people can call for non-emergency information and referral. In Massachusetts, Mass211 is funded by fourteen local United Ways represented by the Council of Massachusetts United Ways. In-kind support is also provided by the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS). Launched in the state in July, 2006, Mass211 is also the Commonwealth’s official disaster and emergency MEMA hotline.

Callers speak confidentially with an Information & Referral Specialist who will assess the callers’ needs and determine the service provider best equipped to handle their problems or crisis. It is currently available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both the call and services are free to anyone calling within the Commonwealth by either landline or wireless phones.

Residents wanting to get involved to help provide basic needs to Massachusetts individuals and families can contact United Way at info@supportunitedway.org.