Slumping economy got you in a corner? Call 211

Slumping economy got you in a corner? Call 211

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Story Published: Oct 3, 2008 at 5:38 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:19 AM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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SEATTLE -- The 211 hot line has been around for two year, but switchboards are suddenly spiking with desperate first-time callers.

"(They are) people who've never had to access a food bank and people who had no idea there was rent or utility assistance," said Troy Tady, call center supervisor.

The financial turmoil has rattled families who fear they're a paycheck away from crisis.

Struggling Boeing strikers, families who can't afford their mortgage or utilities and those whose wages aren't keeping pace with rising prices are all frantically phoning the community referral line.

The line is a link to thousands of legal, financial and medical resources and agencies.

"They just don't know where to turn," said Kathleen Southwick, the call center's executive director. "In September we saw four or five thousand more calls coming to 211."

Operators for King County alone are handling nearly 900 calls a day -- double the number of calls for this time, last year. And to distressed callers they explain how the system works, what it takes to be eligible for help.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, write down the facts of the situation and what might happen if the circumstances come true. You might still need to call 211 or the crisis line and they can help you sort through your options and offer agencies that can help.

You can call 211 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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