Help line handles record No. of calls

Help line handles record No. of calls

Info Line, a toll-free phone service that provides personal assistance and resource referrals to people throughout Central New Jersey, received a record number of phone calls in 2003.

According to Linda Jay, Info Line board president, 2003 was a record year in which more than 13,000 calls were recorded — a 23-percent increase over the previous year. Jay said most of the calls were from people who needed affordable housing or assistance in paying their rent, mortgage or security deposits.

In addition to housing, Info Line, based in Milltown, receives many requests from individuals who need utility assistance, affordable legal representation, emergency food, employment, and medical and mental health services.

Info Line receives funding from the United Way of Central Jersey, Milltown, and is based at the United Way’s offices.

Gloria Aftanski, president and chief professional officer of United Way of Central Jersey, said the service helps prevent homelessness and hunger.

"The extent of the need within our community is demonstrated by the record number of calls that Info Line received this past year," Aftanski said.

United Way of Central Jersey, whose Web site can be found at www.uwcj.org, serves all of Middlesex County and Franklin Township in Somerset County. The non-profit organization supports and provides funding for 120 social service and health care programs that are administered by 48 non-profit impact agencies.

Info Line can be reached at 1-888-908-INFO or by e-mail at [email protected]. The organization provides information in English and Spanish.