By Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread destruction in our community. Thousands of people have lost everything due to storm surges or flash flooding. The recovery process can be overwhelming, but there is a number you can call to connect to an assortment of helpful resources: 211.
211 is answered by local nonprofit organizations throughout Florida. In Hillsborough County, the 211 line is answered 24 hours a day by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. 211 provides information regarding essential health and human services. It connects people to a wide variety of resources including assistance for housing, food, health care, mental health support and disaster relief.
Calls to 211 are confidential. The specialists who answer these calls receive extensive training to connect callers to community resources and provide immediate emotional support. When you call 211, you’ll connect with a compassionate professional who will take the time to listen to your story, ask questions and identify resources to help you navigate your situation.
Throughout the year, the Crisis Center maintains a database of over 3,000 resources. It has a resource team that works behind the scenes to stay updated on these programs and services. After a hurricane, the team gathers information about relief and recovery resources to help those impacted.
Before the recent hurricanes, 211 specialists provided information to callers about sandbags and shelters. During the storms, specialists stayed at the Crisis Center to answer calls in the middle of the night. After the storms, they provided information about tarps, food, shelter and debris collection.
Here are a few examples of programs callers to 211 have been connected to after the storms:
Airbnb.org has provided free emergency housing to people displaced due to the hurricanes.
CrisisCleanup.org connects people with a network of volunteers from local organizations who help with hurricane cleanup.
The Salvation Army has operated feeding sites throughout the Tampa Bay area, providing meals to those impacted by the storms.
Hope Florida (HopeFlorida.com) brings together the private sector, nonprofits and government to help people get back on their feet.
211 is also there if you just need to talk. If you are feeling sad, angry, anxious, exhausted, hopeless, guilty or even numb, you can call 211 and speak with someone who will listen without judgment and who has access to behavioral health resources.
In addition to the contact center, the Crisis Center operates a trauma counseling department with four locations in Hillsborough County, plus an option for teletherapy. Having your home severely damaged and losing clothing, furniture and photographs is a traumatic event. Therapy can help you process the trauma so you can function better during the recovery process.
You can access all these services by calling 211. It’s there for any life struggle you may be facing. If you, or someone you know, have been impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, call to connect with support.
Learn more about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by visiting CrisisCenter.com.