When her refrigerator died suddenly in late summer, Lozzie found herself in an uncomfortable situation. “September 2018 was warm,” recalls the Akron grandmother. “If you’ve never been without a refrigerator, it is not nice, because you really don’t know what to do with your food.”
Fortunately, Lozzie’s cousin suggested that she call United Way’s 2-1-1 for help. The service, which is free and confidential, connects people in need with local services and agencies that can provide help. In Lozzie’s case, that meant putting her in touch with the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation. The agency did a quick inspection of Lozzie’s home, helping her identify ways to improve energy efficiency and lower her utility bills. And not long after that, they sent Lozzie a new fridge – black, just like her old one.
Lozzie is grateful for the assistance 2-1-1 gave her, and for the fact that her 2-1-1 operator promised to keep following up with her until she got the help she needed. That’s why she says she would recommend 2-1-1 to her friends and family if they ever found themselves in need of assistance.
“When you call someone, and they act like they’re concerned, you’re more apt to call them to get help,” she says.