CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Reports from homeless residents claiming their calls to NC 211 have gone unanswered are increasing.
NC 211 is a service that provides resources for those looking for housing, food, and other resources.
There are nearly 3,000 people experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County, according to the latest housing data released by that county. That's an increase from this time last year. NC 211 says that sudden increase is why there are longer hold times and delays for people seeking assistance.
“There are times where we do have a backlog of people calling in," Brittany Fletcher, the CEO of United Way North Carolina, said. "If we have an influx of calls, there are times when people have to wait on hold. Once the weather starts warming up, we will always see an influx around housing assistance."
Smaller organizations like Block Love Charlotte say they are backed up as well.
“I have to tell people to bear with me," Deborah Phillips, the founder of Block Love, said. "We get a lot of referrals, especially from 211, and I am getting people calling, saying, 'Well I couldn't get through at 211.'"
Phillips said her organization receives calls daily from folks looking for food, housing and other resources, so it can be a relief when those people finally get someone on the line. However, she said the backups will only get worse as the need for housing grows.
“211 is a great service, I think right now we’re just seeing so many people utilizing that service we’re not able to get a handle on it," Phillips said. "And that's not making an excuse, it's just what it is. If we're not able to manage the calls, I can't imagine what they're going through."
NC 211 says anyone needing help can contact them via email or cell. However, right now, they say you can expect a wait time.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.