United Way puts $123,000 more toward seniors programs

Calls to the 211 telephone help line increased by 40 per cent, and some days 50 per cent, in the weeks after COVID-19 forced people to stay home and some businesses to close.

Nearly one-quarter of the calls were from seniors or older adults, many needing access to food or meal services, said Tammy Dumas, executive director for 211 InCommunities.

“We saw a definite increase in the calls we receive and the requests for help,” she said, adding “a significant portion” needed information on government assistance programs.

It started in mid-March and continued through late April. Volumes are returning to normal now, she said, “but we’re very mindful that it may not stay that way, depending on what’s next.”

On Monday, United Way Niagara announced it’s investing $123,039 more in services that help seniors, older adults and vulnerable people.

Working with Niagara Region, Community Support Services of Niagara and 211 InCommunities, the money will be directed toward local food banks and garden agencies, all the Meals on Wheels programs in Niagara, health clinics and to purchase hygiene products for people in need.

The 211 program is a referral system that connects people with services for issues ranging from the need for food or legal assistance, housing, employment training, abuse and assault, or mental health and crisis support.

“We are sort of that initial access point, that front line,” Dumas said. “We do provide a warm, friendly voice and our voice is to connect people to the services they need.”

In some cases, she said, certified staff will do followup calls to make sure the person found the help they needed.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, she said, more calls than usual came in from seniors and shut-ins, especially people in need of emergency food.

United Way Niagara was able to provide the money in part through help from the federal New Horizons for Seniors program.

“We saw a definite increase in the calls we receive and the requests for help.” TAMMY DUMAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR 211 INCOMMUNITIES

After the pandemic was declared, Ottawa made the rules more flexible to allow agencies like the United Way to provide quick, targeted help for programs to assist seniors.

Community Support Services has expanded its grocery delivery service for people aged 55 and older or those living with disabilities. It can be reached at 905-682-3800 ext. 706.

Niagara Region’s community services department, meanwhile, enhanced its Niagara Gatekeepers program that checks in with seniors to ensure they’re not isolated, and helps provide access to needs such as groceries and medications. Its number is 905-684-0968.

The 211 InCommunities program can be reached by dialing 211. Gord.Howard@niagaradailies.com