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211 helpline urges residents to call for crisis, food and utility help as housing pressures rise
Summary
Patrice Schroeder of the 211 helpline told the council that 211 averages about 350 calls per day across a five-county area and highlighted suicide-related calls, veterans, elder and special-needs support, and utility assistance.
Patrice Schroeder, community relations representative for the 211 helpline, addressed the Palm Beach Gardens City Council during public comment to outline the helpline 's services and rising demand.
Schroeder said 211 averages about 350 calls per day across a five-county service area and that roughly a dozen of those calls daily are suicide-related. She said Palm Beach County accounts for the largest share of calls.
"We can help them get the specialized counseling and also help their families as well," Schroeder said, describing services for caregivers, elders with Alzheimer's, children with autism and a My Florida Veterans program that supports veterans, first responders and other trauma-exposed workers.
Schroeder encouraged residents to call 211 any time of day or night for referrals to food, clinics, utility assistance and behavioral-health resources.
Mayor Reid and council members thanked Schroeder and the organization for its work and for collaboration with municipal programs.
