Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- More people than are struggling to pay their rents, mortgages, heat and electric bills, the United Way of Rhode Island Monday said.

Calls to the agency's help line jumped 53 percent to 30,600 in the first quarter, from 20,000 calls during the first three months of 2008.

Many 2-1-1 callers had lost their jobs. They needed money to stay in their homes and apartments and to pay for food, utilities and medical bills, said Cristina Amedeo, director of the 2-1-1 program.

A faltering economy is driving the demand. Another factor: publicity about the agency's new Fund to Prevent Homelessness. At a news conference in early January, the agency kicked off one of two fundraisers. "Individuals seeking help had never heard of 2-1-1 before," Amedeo said. "They called and told us this was the first time they have needed any kind of financial help."

In the last three months, United Way received more than $120,000 in contributions. The agency added another $120,000 and distributed the money through 23 agencies, from Amos House to Wood River Health Services.

"A number of families are stable and warm because of your generous donors," said Darlene Briggs Magaw, a director with Family Resources Community Action in Woonsocket.

 Tags  homeless Providence RI

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