Crisis Response Network announced that its statewide 2-1-1 Arizona Information and Referral Service program fielded 208,455 calls from March 20 to August 31.

Calls have come in from each of Arizona’s 15 counties.

The top five reasons for people calling 2-1-1 Arizona in August 2020 were for connections to potentially lifesaving services, including:

• Housing and Shelter 33%
• Utility Assistance 22%
• Disaster Assistance 9%
• Emergency Food Assistance 7%
• Healthcare 5%

Following a request from Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, 2-1-1 Arizona launched the state’s COVID-19 Hotline with limited live-answer service beginning on March 20, 2020.

Since that date, 2-1-1 Arizona has expanded to become the state’s go-to resource for health and human services, including general information and referral service, eviction prevention, and the Resilient Arizona Crisis Counseling Program.

With funding from the Arizona Department of Economic Security, 24/7/365 live-answer service with English and Spanish-speaking operators went live on July 1, 2020.

Due to funding challenges, live-answer service was suspended for 2-1-1 Arizona in July 2019. Since then, CRN worked diligently to identify short-term funding partners to restore live-answer operations.

“Live-answer service provides a personal, compassionate, human connection that people deserve – especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Justin Chase, President/CEO of Crisis Response Network. “It also allows us to better assist callers with any and all needs they may have.”

Since the resumption of live-answer service on March 20, 2020, the greatest community need identified has been for rental assistance and eviction prevention.

Many callers are unable to get access to rental assistance due to increased demand or there is insufficient rental assistance in particular areas.

In addition to the phone line, 2-1-1 Arizona’s various services also can be accessed through its website, www.211arizona.org and mobile app.