If you were suddenly faced with losing everything, where would you turn?

People in emergency situations—such as a violent relationship, a house fire or flood—can find themselves starting over with nothing but the clothes on their backs. In central and northeastern Connecticut, during February 2010:

• 1,386 people called seeking help with housing/shelter, a 15% increase over February 2009.
• 879 people called seeking mental health care, a 5% increase over February 2009.
• 676 people called seeking financial assistance, a 15% increase over February 2009.
• 626 people called seeking public assistance, a 9% increase over February 2009.

What we’re doing: Contributions to United Way Community Investment help to provide a safety net of services for everyone in our region. These services include information and referral through United Way's free 2-1-1 helpline, disaster preparedness and response, emergency and crisis services such as shelter and food, and mental and physical health services such as counseling and home health care.

Recent results:

• In 2009, more than 33,000 people received basic food assistance from United Way supported programs.

• More than 640 people received United Way supported disaster services in 2009 in response to an emergency such as a fire or flood. Ninety-three percent of those served had their needs met.

• In 2009, more than 700 people who received United Way supported substance abuse services reduced their dependency on drugs or alcohol. That’s up from more than 300 people in 2008.