United Way of Tarrant County aims to boost awareness of aid programs

These hot July days are expensive for families trying to stay cool and make ends meet.

The United Way of Tarrant County has specialists who can help through the 211 Texas help line, which connects people with resources. Last year, electric payment assistance was the top need among people seeking housing/shelter and utility aid — 25,102 asked for help, many of them during summer’s sweltering days.

“We are a wealth of information,” said Vicki Mize, director of 211 Texas at United Way of Tarrant County.

The number of people seeking help increased by 13 percent over 2013, Mize said, adding that people also call trying to find agencies that give away fans or seeking help with a broken air-conditioning system. Many older adults will keep air conditioners off even if the temperature reaches 100 degrees, which can cause health problems.

“They are afraid their bills will be too high,” Mize said.

The 211 line served 250,000 callers last year in Tarrant, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Palo Pinto, Somervell and Wise counties. The top need among callers was for food/meals with 75,751 calls.

As the summer heats up, the nonprofit is reminding the community of its fundraising campaign beginning in September. The money helps maintain the 211 service.

“It is critical year-round,” Tim McKinney, president and CEO, said of the help line.

The message is also being promoted on social media such as Twitter and Facebook. Tweets emphasize what programs get a boost from donations.

“We want to promote awareness of what the United Way does in the community,” McKinney said.

The United Way of Tarrant County estimates it has raised about $20 million as part of the current campaign that is wrapping up, McKinney said.

The campaign typically brings in about two-thirds of the organization’s total revenue.

The United Way of Tarrant County works with organizations across the county to help solve problems and develop programs that address community issues. The nonprofit’s recent focus has centered on education, income and health.

“We call them the building blocks for a successful life,” McKinney said.

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 10:11 AM with the headline "United Way of Tarrant County aims to boost awareness of aid programs."