INDExtra

Volunteers needed for local help line

by Heather Miller

The 232-HELP line has received an influx of calls following Hurricane Isaac, leaving United Way of Acadiana in need of additional volunteers to help man the comprehensive information and referral center. Acadiana's one-stop shop for assisting people in need through "the maze" of services available to them is looking for volunteers to help field an influx of phone calls coming in to 232-HELP since Hurricane Isaac ripped through the state last week.

United Way of Acadiana, a partner in the 232-HELP/211 referral service, says in an email to disaster volunteers that the agency is seeking people who can operate the phone lines between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. through Sept. 14. Volunteers who are accepted can work for any amount of time they can offer, even if it's not the entire shift. On-site training will be provided.

According to the 232-HELP/211 website, the service is offered for families who need to "identify, understand and effectively use all available resources," whether it's rental assistance, food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, job training programs and more.

For more information, email United Way Director of Volunteer Mobilization Keler C. Williams at [email protected].