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Impact Stories
211 SNAPSHOT: DAMARIS
If you joined us at our recent press conference, you may remember Meg’s moving testimonial about the impact of 211. We invite you to hear directly from Meg herself. In just two minutes, you’ll experience the difference that a single call to 211 or visit to 211ct.org can make.
There’s a housing crisis in Connecticut.
According to a recent article in the Connecticut Mirror, the cost to own a home in several major CT cities has nearly doubled since 2019.
Rents have also become less attainable. The average rent on a two-bedroom apartment in Bridgeport has jumped to more than $1,600 a month, and because wages haven’t increased to meet inflation and rising housing costs, more and more households are feeling the squeeze.
This September, Damaris Bennett (61) was worried about how she would cover the rent on her Waterbury apartment. “I just can’t get ahead,” she says. “I pay for the basics: phone, electric, food – and because I’m diabetic, I have to pay a little more to get food that’s right for my body. By the 13th of each month, there’s no money left.”
Damaris had heard there was a program to help Connecticut residents afford rent, but she didn’t know if she was eligible – or, if she was, how to apply.
But she did know who to call to get answers: 211. Damaris first learned about 211 in 2001, when she was struggling with addiction. A friend had told her to dial 2-1-1, and when she did, a 211 Contact Specialist listened and connected her with treatment – “without judgement – with kindness and compassion.”
She’s grateful: “211, they helped me so much. They were so compassionate. There would be times I’d call and say, “Can we do a follow up call next week?’ And they would. That kept me going. That got me through.”
When Damaris called this fall, she connected with another trained, empathetic 211 Contact Center Specialist, who shared expertise about rental assistance opportunities and other services to help Damaris make ends meet.
She was so nice. And HELPFUL. I loved it. She knew everything and even called me back to check on me. 211 is so thorough. I like that. When I got off the phone, I felt complete. I know someone cares.
Now, Damaris breathes a little easier. She’s on her way to securing financial stability and peace of mind at a time when both are in high demand – and short supply.
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