ROCKY HILL, Conn. — The United Way of Connecticut’s 2-1-1 lines provides essential health and human services to those in crucial need of food, housing, mental health and financial assistance across the state.
On #GivingTuesday, FOX61/CW20 have teamed up with the organization to shine a spotlight on the unique Connecticut program that helps thousands of people each year.
“United Way is really about connecting people to resources and resources that people give that actually go back into the community,” Tanya Barrett, senior vice president of 211 Health and Human Services, told FOX61 News from the United Way in Rocky Hill. “In order for people to find those resources, 2-1-1 has worked really hard at making sure there is one simple number for people to call.”
Barrett called the 2-1-1 support staff “heroes” for callers.
She said the majority of calls right now are assistance with rent, shelter, food, and mental health resources.
“That has been particularly big during the pandemic,” she added.
Lisa Tepper Bates, the president and CEO the United Way of Connecticut, said the state has a "very high cost of living," which means that 38% of the population lives either paycheck to paycheck or are not making ends meet.
"We are here to provide that connection to the resources they need, and to help them know what's out there to meet the rent, to help them understand where they can get baby formula for the infant in the home, and to help them if they're facing homelessness or a mental health crisis," she said. "That's what we're here to do. And that's what our team of heroes are here to deliver for them."
Through its programs, United Way also mobilizes people and resources in support of ALICE, which is a United Way-coined acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents a growing number of households in all of our communities that do not earn enough to afford basic necessities such as childcare, food, housing, and transportation.
"I am so inspired by the work of our team. As I've told them, my job is to make sure they have what they need to do the work of helping the people of Connecticut," Bates said. "Every day we feel good about what we're doing to help people in need and every day I could not feel prouder of the team that I have the privilege to represent."
#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement to help individuals, families, organizations and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, Eversource will provide a dollar-to-dollar match to make donations go even further.
If you would like to donate, fill out the sheet below.
To learn more, or if you need assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org.
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.