GREENSBORO, N.C. — Calls to North Carolina’s 2-1-1 helpline are up more than 20 percent since the start of the federal government shutdown, according to the United Way of North Carolina.
The 24-hour service connects people to food, rent, childcare, and other local resources. The spike shows how many families are struggling to cover basic needs as benefits remain uncertain.
The helpline employs about 60 people who answer calls within 30 seconds. Operators are trained to link callers with verified programs and provide reassurance during stressful situations…