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Connect2Help links people to the services they need

Posted at 8:50 PM, Nov 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-08 20:50:24-05

INDIANAPOLIS — If you need help and don't know where to turn, one agency is just a call away.

Connect2Help has operated in a partnership with 211, but it is separating and partnering with other local agencies to help as many people in Central Indiana as possible.

From food, shelter, utility help, substance abuse, mental health and suicide prevention, Connect2Help has helped the people of Indiana for decades.

"Indiana 211 has a statewide focus where connect2help is returning to its local focus and looking to make a deeper impact in the Central Indiana community," Connect2Help CEO Anna Hartman said.

Hartman said, nationally, only 16% of people actually know what 211 is — the number people can call and find services from.

Wanting to focus more locally, Connect2Help decided to separate from 211 and use their original phone number, 317-926-HELP, instead.

That's not all that's new. This week began a new partnership with Meals on Wheels where they call and check in on their hundreds clients to see what other challenges they may be having.

"People are getting the resources that they need because we are making these calls that now Connect2Help is going to be assisting us with," David Carptenter, who delivers for Meals on Wheels, said.

It's a result of community partners coming together and trying to get the word out about everything you can receive assistance for this winter.

"There are people in the community marginalized populations and not even people in marginalized populations that are going hungry because for a variety of problems," Carpenter said. "They're having trouble getting in and out of their house, their car may have broken down, their family may live in another state. They need to be able to eat. And more importantly, they need to be able to eat nutritious food."