When Resources Exist, But Help Is Not Available

“I called the Housing Crisis Hotline and they didn’t help me.” 

Sound familiar? It’s important feedback the ForKids and Hotline team hear often. And when people say this, they’re telling the truth. What’s going on?

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to encounter resources that are listed publicly but unavailable when they call the Housing Crisis Hotline. 

In most cases, the program is real; its limited funding, appointments or spaces have simply already been used up. Rental assistance might be exhausted by the fifth day of the month, for example, or a nonprofit may be able to help only 10 households before reaching capacity. 

To someone in crisis, that distinction may not matter. The result is still a closed door. The full story is more complicated.

Centralized screening helps the Housing Crisis Hotline track the resources available through participating partners and avoid sending callers to programs known to be full. Availability can change quickly, and no system is perfect, but the goal is to give each caller the most accurate information we have at that moment. 

“One of the hardest parts of our work is telling someone that no assistance is available,” said Shirley Brackett, ForKids’ Crisis Response Director. “Sending a caller to another number might feel more helpful in the moment, but an unverified referral can waste time and create false hope.” 

When resources are exhausted, Brackett added, “We need to be honest, explain what we know clearly and treat the caller with compassion.” 

Community members can help by choosing to be part of the Hotline. Nonprofits, businesses, faith communities, civic groups and individuals can commit assistance at a scale that works for them. 

A church or civic group might support five or 10 families a month with utility costs. A couple might help one family with rent. The Hotline can coordinate those commitments so help reaches eligible households efficiently. 

Contact the Hotline Team today at (757) 364-2736 or sbrackett@forkids.org if you would like to learn more about how you can contribute.