A girl under 12 years old says she wants to hold her breath until she dies. A woman over 90 years old knows she can’t stay in her home much longer and doesn’t know where she’ll go.
Caller after caller seeks help paying the bills and providing for their families.
These are examples of the stories behind the numbers presented in 2-1-1 Brevard’s new annual report for the fiscal year 2012-13.
“Sadly, we see the same needs year after year,” said Libby Donoghue, 2-1-1 Brevard executive director. “Every year for years, the callers’ No. 1 need is help in paying a utility bill.”
2-1-1 Brevard helpline specialists answered almost 40,000 calls in the fiscal year, and there were more than 22,000 visits to the online database at 211brevard.org.
Callers frequently report more than one need.
“Basic needs – such as putting food on the table and roofs over families’ heads – made up 36 percent of the needs reported,” Donoghue said.
Mental health needs – such as crisis counseling or access to psychiatric services – made up 20 percent of needs.
Click here to view or print the two-page report.
Almost 20 reports on 2-1-1 Brevard’s financials and services in the past decade are available at 211brevard.org/agency-info/reports.
“2-1-1 Brevard is committed to transparency and tries to make our information as easily accessible as possible,” Donoghue said.
For about 2-1-1 Brevard, visit 211brevard.org or contact communications manager Belinda Stewart by email or by phone at 631-9290, ext. 224.