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COVID-19 Sparks 84% Increase in Call Volume February 11th is officially 211 Day in Delaware as proclaimed by Governor John Carney. The day is set aside to recognize the vital crisis resources provided free of charge by the Delaware 211 helpline and to thank the dedicated resource specialists who help Delawareans in need every day. From “hello” to help, our neighbors receive courteous, friendly, expert care and information, as well as follow-up contact to make sure help is on the way. Delawareans are asked to participate in Delaware 211 Day by following @Delaware211 on Facebook, @211Delaware on Twitter, by telling people who might need help about Delaware211, and by considering a donation to 211. Powered by United Way of Delaware and the State of Delaware, Delaware 211 is a free, confidential helpline that provides information and connects Delawareans with a wide range of critical community-based resources and social services. People needing help just dial 2-1-1 on any phone, text their zip code to 898-211 or chat online at www.delaware211.org. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this vital lifeline. From March 15 through December 15, inbound call volume skyrocketed by 84% to more than 55,000 calls. In response, Delaware 211 brought on more resource specialists, expanded hours and now operates seven days a week in partnership with the state’s Department of Social Services. Callers sought referrals for assistance regarding a wide range of critical needs, including: • Medical (includes COVID-19 Related) - 15,600 calls, an increase of 1178% over the same period in 2019 • Financial Assistance - 11,400 calls, an 83% increase • Basic Needs, including food and shelter – 3,600 calls, a 57% increase “More Delaware residents are in need during the COVID-19 pandemic than ever before. For about 40% of our callers, it was the first time that they have ever needed help. They were glad that 211 was there to answer the call and provide access to assistance. That’s why Delaware 211 exists,” says Donna Snyder White, United Way of Delaware Vice President of Financial Empowerment. “When someone calls 211, they aren’t just ‘patched through’ to agencies. They connect with an experienced professional who listens and guides the caller to the help they need. Our specialists are trained to identify and address the root causes of a client’s problem and to connect them with a wide range of resources that can address their needs,” she said. Snyder White says Delaware 211 helps the state’s social service ecosystem operate more efficiently, connecting people in need with the agencies and resources that can help -- without red tape. It maintains a comprehensive database of agencies, possibly the most robust such database in the state. “No other program has its finger on the pulse of Delaware’s greatest needs and resources better than 211,” she says. About Delaware 211 United Way of Delaware has been home to Delaware 211 since 2005. Every day of the year this statewide information and referral service provides Delaware residents an easy way to connect with essential health and human services including affordable housing, utility assistance, healthcare, senior services, food and other vital programs. Here are several ways to connect to a resource specialist: phone: dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372; text a zip code to 898-211; chat online at www.delaware211.org. or visit www.delaware211.org. Services are free, multilingual and confidential. Delaware 211 is part of a national network of 211 services. For more information, visit www.delaware211.org, follow us on Facebook @delaware211 and Twitter @211delaware. (302) 573-3717. About United Way of Delaware Founded in 1946, United Way of Delaware (UWDE) works to advance the common good by focusing on three key areas: Grade-Level Reading, College and Career Success and Financial Empowerment. UWDE is engaged in a long-term strategy to eliminate the root causes of the most pressing social problems in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. UWDE is responsible for the United Way brand in Salem County, New Jersey, where its activities are guided by the Salem County Advisory Committee of the UWDE Board of Directors. For more information or to support UWDE, visit www.uwde.org, follow us on Facebook @UnitedWayofDelaware, Twitter @UnitedWayDE, or call (302) 573-3717.