Tom’s Story
Tom, an Aptos resident, called 211 for the first time seeking assistance with paying his rent for
June. He already had an eviction notice and nowhere to turn for help. He explained to the call
specialist that he had been terminated from his job the month prior due to missing work because
of an illness. He was referred to Catholic Charities for possible rent assistance and California
Rural Legal Assistance for legal education surrounding his termination. Tom was indeed eligible
for rent assistance and able to avoid eviction and stay in his home. He is also receiving legal
counsel regarding his employment situation at no cost. Tom was extremely relieved to receive
useful referrals that worked, and now keeps a 211 flyer on his refrigerator as a reminder of what
an impact one call can make.
Christina’s Story
Christina, a 65 year old resident from Capitola, called 211 after hearing an ad on the radio for
free tax assistance. She had just gone through a divorce and her rent was suddenly more than her
income. Not only did she receive free tax assistance through the United Way-sponsored VITA
tax sites, but she was successfully connected to Second Harvest Food Bank for food assistance as
well. Christina described the call specialist who answered her call as “an angel who exceeded my
expectations and let me know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel”.
John’s Story
John called 211 inquiring on behalf of a neighboring family residing in his low-income
apartment building. The mother of the family, Maria, is raising five children on her own while
her husband is incarcerated. Maria was struggling to provide back-to-school supplies and
clothing for all five of her growing children. John received a referral to the Write Start Project, a
program of the County Office of Education and United Way of Santa Cruz County that provides
school supplies at no-cost to eligible families. He also received referrals to the Salvation Army
and St. Vincent de Paul for clothing vouchers. Because 211 is available for families and
individuals in need and caring neighbors like John, Maria is now connected to resources that help
get her kids ready to learn with the supplies they need.
Brian’s Story
Brian has been supporting his parents for several years and is no longer able to assist them. They
have been abusing alcohol and drugs and have no money to pay their rent this month. Brian was
feeling extremely distressed because he did not know where to turn until he finally tried calling
211. He received referrals to local agencies for short-term assistance with rent, as well as
referrals to substance abuse treatment programs for long-term solutions. Brian is now able to
assist his parents without feeling overly burdened, and they are on the road to recovery.
Jessica’s Story
Jessica has cognitive disabilities, recently had her first baby and is currently living with friends.
She called 211 seeking assistance in any area she may qualify, not knowing exactly where to
start. The call specialists at 211 Santa Cruz County provided her with referrals to local food
pantries, housing resources, deposit aid and Calworks information to assist her in receiving the
benefits she is eligible for and requires to care for her new child.
Charles’ Story
Charles’ mother passed away a few months ago and he was left to care for and support his
younger brother, as well as take on the financial burden of his mother’s home mortgage
payments. At the time, Charles’ only income was unemployment payments, which were about
to expire. When he requested an extension due to his circumstances, EDD denied his request and
told him to call 211 for other resources. 211 was able to refer Charles to agencies that could help
him reduce his monthly mortgage into more manageable payments. 211 also referred Charles to
food assistance and discount programs for his utilities and telephone to save money. In addition,
211 recommended Charles contact employment services agencies to gain long-term employment.
Samantha’s Story
Samantha is a single mother with two children. Recently, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Since the diagnosis she has needed to miss a lot of work for testing and treatment. Previously she
earned about $1300 a month, but missing so much work caused her income to drop more than
half, to barely $550. This drastic loss of income forced her to make tough choices between rent
payments and food for her family. Consequently, she has fallen far behind on many of her bills,
including her rent and utilities. She received an eviction notice and, not knowing where else to
turn, decided to call 211 for help. 211 was able to refer Samantha to one-time rent and utility
assistance programs as well as other ongoing services and programs to help cut down her
monthly bills. 211 also guided her to Social Security to find out if she is eligible to apply for
disability until she is able to work again.
Bess’ Story
Bess is 77 years old. She called 211 because her unemployment payments expired and she could
no longer afford her apartment, which she has lived in for over 34 years. Bess has tried to look
for more work but in her words, “no one wants her, she is too old”. She has managed to get one
part time job where she works one day, but is making less than $100 a week. Bess is receiving
social security, but she said every year her check remains the same and every year the cost of
living goes up. 211 was able to give Bess referrals to agencies to temporarily assist her with the
rent, as well as CalFresh, a food assistance program that can help her pay for groceries at her
local grocery store or farmers market . 211 also referred her to Senior Network Services for
additional resources, an agency that works specifically with seniors.
Darla’s Story
Darla was working for the school district when her father fell ill. One bypass open heart surgery
later she found herself having to leave her job to care for both of her aging parents. This left her
family solely relying on her husband’s employment income. While living on only one income,
they fell behind on all of their bills, including rent and gas and electric. Her father’s health has
since improved from the surgery but she worries that he will over-exert himself. Darla said her
life is in constant stress and worry and now. Because of her parent’s rising medical bills, they are
asking for her to help them. She said, “… and you cannot not help your parents when they ask
for your help.” 211 was able to refer Darla to agencies that could help her family get back on
track, programs that provide one-time assistance for rent, PG&E and discount programs that can
help her save money monthly for PG&E and auto insurance. 211 was also able to connect Darla
to a program that, if her parents are eligible, would pay her to take care of them. Darla was
surprised by the number of resources the 211 call specialist was able to give her and she was
very thankful.