When You Don't Know Who to Call

There are times in life that we are down and out, at the end of our rope. At those times it cam be difficult to know where to turn for help. Sometimes people even think the only way they have out of their situation is to kill themselves.

There is help available to help in these dark hours. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE, a program of ABVI-Goodwill has been a hotline since the 1970s (then known only as LIFE LINE) as a support for the community. From a resource for agencies in the community assisting with certain needs to support for mental health crisis, 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is free and confidential and available 24/7/365. It is a non-profit agency that receives the majority of it support from United Way.

What do I mean when I say "agency referrals?" Well, for example, let's say you're having a hard time making ends meet: Money is running low and you need help getting food in the house. You can call 2-1-1/LIFE LINE, provide your zip code, and someone will look up for you the closest food pantries to your area that can assist you. Looking for a depression support group? Trying to find the phone number to that community center down the street? In need of emergency shelter? Not sure who to contact for free legal representation? 2-1-1/LIFE LINE can assist with all these needs and more.

And what exactly do I mean by "mental health crisis?" It's a time when you are overwhelmed and need to talk things out, when you don't know where to turn, maybe even feeling desperate. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is available to assist people who are feeling suicidal and looking to talk out these feelings and hopefully find something to hold on to here. But a person does not need to be suicidal to talk to the telecounselors at 2-1-1/LIFE LINE: If you're distressed, confused, upset, and need someone to talk things over with, the service is available to you.

Crises arise at all hours and sometimes your own therapist, if you have one, may not be available. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE workers are trained phone counselors, but not professional therapists/mental health counselors/other mental health professionals. Please know that despite the wonderful support this service can provide, it is not a substitute for long-term counseling. If you would like to get linked with long-term counseling (including agencies who work on a sliding scale for those for whom money is tight or those whose health insurance - if any - does not cover mental health services), 2-1-1/LIFE LINE can look up agencies that can assist you.

How do you reach 2-1-1/LIFE LINE? The good news is there are several different phone numbers to get through! Those in its service area (Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Livingston, and Cayuga counties) should be able to dial 2-1-1. If for some reason the phone will not dial 2-1-1 (sometimes cell phones don't go through to it), you can also dial locally at (585)275-5151 or toll-free at 1-877-FLNY-211 (1-877-356-9211) or 1-800-310-1160. They do also have the majority of their agency referrals available on their website. Having trouble navigating the website? There is online chat available at times (the hours are not set for chat availability, but in general it is available until 11PM seven days a week).

2-1-1/LIFE LINE prides itself as being "who to call when you don't know who to call." It certainly succeeds on this front. From talking about the struggles you are having to seeking an agency that can provide assistance for free clothing, 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is an integral support to the community.


*If you are in mental health crisis and/or considering suicide, and you are not located in the above New York State counties, there is help available. Please call National Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). It is free and confidential.*