211 Offers Support and Resources
As the COVID-19 pandemic crisis remains prevalent throughout the communities that we serve, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast continues to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for any one in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast that may be unsure of where to turn for help. We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals in our community have access to accurate information about the pandemic and available resources to meet their unique needs. Members of our community are struggling more than ever and continue to reach out to 211 for assistance with a variety of concerns, including financial assistance, food distribution, and emotional support along with crisis counseling. 211 is here throughout every disaster that our community faces to provide oftentimes lifesaving information and support.
If you or someone that you know is struggling, do not hesitate to reach out and be connected to one of our highly trained Resource Center Specialists. Individuals and families can call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898211, any time of the day or night. They can also visit 211palmbeach.org or 211treasurecoast.org to access our online database of community resources or utilize our online chat feature.
The following is a story of how 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast has made a difference in our community during these unparalleled times:
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented our community with incomparable challenges to overcome. During these desperate times, 211 is honored to be able to help the residents of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast by connecting them to resources and providing emotional support and crisis intervention, 24 hours a day. Recently, 211 HelpLine received a call from a young woman, Natalie, who was calling on behalf of her elderly grandfather. Natalie told our Resource Center Specialist Janice that her grandfather had recently fallen while in the shower and broke his hip. Natalie now lived out of state and wanted to stay with her grandfather through his recovery, however due to the pandemic it was not possible for her to safely travel. She sounded distressed and wanted to know what resources were out there to help. During the conversation, Janice asked how she heard about 211 and Natalie said that several years ago she battled with terrible depression and suicidal thoughts. During this dark time, she had called 211 and had a life-changing experience so wanted to reach out to us again. Janice validated Natalie’s feelings and thanked her for calling 211 again in her time of need. Janice told Natalie that her grandfather was a good candidate for the Sunshine program at 211, where seniors who live alone receive a daily phone call to check in on their well-being. This daily phone call is more than a wellness check. It is a chance for these individuals to connect with the outside world each and every day, and build relationships with the staff and volunteers. In the most serious of cases, the program literally saves lives since if we are unable to get in touch with a client, or their emergency contact, then we can call an officer to check on them. Janice also told Natalie about meal delivery services so he can safely get food. Nathalie was grateful that we could check-in on her loved one and offer him support. Thanks to 211, Natalie was able to rest assured that her grandfather had someone nearby that cared.
