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Dothan, AL, USA, Dec, 2017 -- Wiregrass 2-1-1 call center is experiencing an uptick in calls from individuals and families needing assistance.

"Just during the past three months our call center’s numbers have increased tremendously," said Wiregrass 2-1-1 Executive Director David Duke. "We received record breaking calls during the past three months by having the largest number of calls statewide for the past 10 years."

The center received 5,026 calls from Oct. 1 through Dec. 27, and an additional 523 calls were answered by the on-call center after hours for the Wiregrass area.

According to Duke, several of the calls received were regarding families needing assistance in housing, electric assistance, food assistance, and Christmas assistance for children.

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"Our goal is to keep everyone informed of all services and assistance programs that are available," Duke said. "We inform the community on the resources that are available to help during their time of need. Not only do we inform them of the assistance that is available, but we also inform the community about where the assistance is available, the hours they can apply for assistance, and what information is needed in order to apply for assistance. Our goal at Wiregrass 2-1-1 is not to be a phone directory, but to be the connection between those needing assistance and those who can help provide the assistance."

Wiregrass 2-1-1 also provides information about physical and mental health, employment services, support for older Americans and persons with disabilities, and support for children, youth, and families. The center also provides crisis information assistance such as shelters, food distribution centers, and state and federal assistance.

With 2017 coming to an end, Wiregrass 2-1-1 is gearing up for a busy 2018.

The need in the Wiregrass area is not decreasing with a new year just around the corner, Duke said.

"Just because a new year is fast approaching does not mean the need in the community will end," Duke said. "Actually, as a new year approaches, we should be thankful for the resources that are available to assist those in need, and we should hope new services and resources become available, as the needs in the community continue. During this time of year we see an increase in people needing assistance with electrical deposits, as well as electrical re-connect fees. Currently we don’t have a resource available for this assistance. Hopefully, in the new year, maybe this assistance will become available."

Duke encourages any agency that provides assistance or a service to those in need to contact Wiregrass 2-1-1 with any information that is available.

"If we don’t know of a service or a resource available, it is hard share that information," Duke said. "But, if we have the information, we can share it with those needing assistance. Once again, it is our goal to assist and educate our community on the services available."

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Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.dothaneagle.com