President’s Corner – September 2024 – 211 Brevard

I first learned about 211 Brevard not long after I arrived in Viera back in 2015. I was just added to The Viera Company’s Charitable Giving Committee and was offered tickets to a 211 Brevard event celebrating local charities. Boy, did this change my life. I met so many wonderful people and even later joined the Boards for a couple of our local non-profits that are doing great things in our Space Coast community. Belinda Stewart with 211 Brevard, who is a force to be reckoned with, introduced me to an overview of the exhaustive services they provide. They literally change and save lives every day. Like Belinda says, “Every day, every hour, 211 Brevard helps people find help.” I can’t even imagine a more fulfilling mission than what they do. Each and every one of us will have the need at some point in our lives to reach out for ourselves or for a friend or family member who needs to connect with local services.

Belinda also provided me with some background information on the organization that I found interesting. Belinda said, “211 Brevard traces its roots to the early 1960s and helped start the first suicide hotline in Florida in 1968. The independent nonprofit, known by several names over the decades, slowly branched out from its focus on emotional crisis to offering support and referral to resources to residents with other kinds of needs, such as financial. In 2001, with its current name in place, it became the first organization in Florida and only the seventh in the United States to earn permission to use the new three-digit dialing code 211 to make it easier for people to find help.”

She continued, “211 Brevard also is the local provider for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which became accessible by the three-digit code 988 only two years ago. 211 staff had answered the 10-digit national suicide hotline since it began in 2005. In the most recent fiscal year, 211 care coordinators managed more than 50,000 calls and texts through its 24/7 community helpline and crisis lifeline. Almost 12,500, more than 25%, of the needs shared involved housing or shelter. Almost 20% dealt with mental health or addictions, including 5,800 classified as crisis or suicide intervention.”

Here is just a glimpse of some of the services they provide:

24/7 Information and Referral Services
211 Brevard operates a 24/7 helpline where residents of the Space Coast can call for information and referrals to local social services, including assistance with housing, food, medical services, and mental health resources.

Crisis Intervention and Support
The helpline offers crisis intervention for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or other urgent needs. Specialists provide immediate support and connect individuals to appropriate local services, such as counseling, hotlines, or shelters.

Assistance with Basic Needs
The service helps people find resources for basic needs, such as food banks, housing support, financial assistance, and access to healthcare. This includes assistance for individuals facing homelessness or those who need help with utility payments or rental assistance.

Specialized Programs
Veterans Services: Assistance in finding resources tailored to veterans and their families, such as VA benefits, mental health services, and reintegration support.
Services for Seniors: Information on programs for seniors, including home care, senior housing, meals, and transportation assistance.
Child and Family Services: Resources for families, including child care, early childhood programs, and parenting support.

Disaster Response
During times of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, 211 Brevard plays a key role in helping residents prepare and recover. They provide updates on shelters, emergency assistance, and recovery programs, as well as emotional support for those affected by the disaster.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
211 Brevard collaborates with mental health agencies to offer suicide prevention services. They connect people to crisis counseling and ongoing mental health care.

Community Resource Database
They maintain an extensive database of community resources, which is available to both residents and professionals. This can be accessed via their website or by phone, allowing people to find relevant services quickly.

Support for Caregivers
211 Brevard provides resources and support for caregivers of elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals, helping them navigate healthcare, respite services, and support groups.

Just, wow. What a local treasure. Obviously, if you are looking for an avenue to give or support a local charity, 211 Brevard would be an amazing recipient. You can visit their website at 211brevard.org or contact Belinda directly at bstewart@211brevard.org.

So, until next time, help someone and remember, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.