Mr. Rogers had many issues he would say to consolation us. “After I was boy and I might see scary issues within the information, my mom would say to me, ‘Search for the helpers. Additionally, you will discover people who find themselves serving to.’”

For many individuals, nevertheless, discovering their helpers could be difficult and embarrassing as they’ve by no means needed to ask for assist earlier than. A technique persons are discovering assistance is by calling 2-1-1. From March 1 by means of April 18, the 211 name facilities throughout the state (excluding New York Metropolis) dealt with greater than 100,000 calls.

For the week of April 19–25, 64 p.c of the calls sought details about COVID-19 or for companies and help ensuing from the virus. These requests lined things like meals insecurity and monetary help. Psychological well being calls are additionally growing as neighborhood members deal with job furloughs, losses, isolation and in any other case feeling disconnected from their typical assist techniques.

Cayuga County is served by 211 Lifeline (211lifeline.org). Whereas this useful useful resource has been under-utilized domestically, it stays a useful software nonetheless. Along with Cayuga, 211 Lifeline serves the counties of Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca and Wayne Counties. It’s accessible to anybody 24/7, 365 days a 12 months. You possibly can name 211 anytime, textual content 898-211, or go to them on-line. They’re on Fb as nicely.

In the course of the coronoavirus outbreak, native requests have been growing and mirror what is occurring throughout the state. Meals, housing and shelter and psychological well being calls are points domestically as nicely. Persons are in search of assist with hire, utilities, SNAP and faculty meals. Grocery supply has been large. Persons are additionally calling with questions on easy methods to make or safe masks, questions concerning the CARES Act, and getting their stimulus checks.