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2-1-1 In the News

WPLN News Transcripts
September 20, 2005, 03:44 PM

United Way's Helpline Sees Call Volume Increase

By CHRISTINE BUTTORFF

Nearly 150 calls per day were made to United Way’s 2-1-1 information line in the first two weeks of September, looking for ways to volunteer or donate to the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The United Way’s helpline coordinates callers with different Metro or community agencies. Spokesperson Doug Fluegel says for the same period in August, barely 11 calls were made per day from people wanting to help.

“Most of the call volume we saw right after this event were from people who wanted to give back, from people who wanted to volunteer people who wanted to make a donation of some sort, in kind maybe. Most of the people who want to give money know where they can give money but we had a couple of those as well, so, the majority of the call needs were from people wanting to give back. Now we’re starting to see that drop down some and we’re starting to see more evacuee needs.”

Fluegel says most of the evacuees are calling for shelter and housing, as well as food stamps, and other financial needs.

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	2-1-1 In the News WPLN News Transcripts September 20, 2005, 03:44 PM United Way's Helpline Sees Call Volume Increase By CHRISTINE BUTTORFF Nearly 150 calls per day were made to United Way’s 2-1-1 information line in the first two weeks of September, looking for ways to volunteer or donate to the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The United Way’s helpline coordinates callers with different Metro or community agencies. Spokesperson Doug Fluegel says for the same period in August, barely 11 calls were made per day from people wanting to help. “Most of the call volume we saw right after this event were from people who wanted to give back, from people who wanted to volunteer people who wanted to make a donation of some sort, in kind maybe. Most of the people who want to give money know where they can give money but we had a couple of those as well, so, the majority of the call needs were from people wanting to give back. Now we’re starting to see that drop down some and we’re starting to see more evacuee needs.” Fluegel says most of the evacuees are calling for shelter and housing, as well as food stamps, and other financial needs. top