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Residents Get Assistance During Tough Times (Feb 06, 2009)

By: Donna Willis

NBC4i.com

DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio - Delaware County has been known as one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation for a few years.

That growing population also has a growing need - for help.

Consumer Credit Counseling planned to open an office in the county after noticing an uptick in the number of requests for help.

The requests for help extend beyond the credit-counseling agency.

Hunt talked with residents Andy Frazier and Tiffany Wood.

Both Frazier and Wood are unemployed.

Both went to People In Need, an agency that assists with food, utility bills and more.

Frazier needed direct help.

"I had to get a food order - to get food.  I haven't had any food in a while," Frazier said.

Wood came into the agency to volunteer her time.

"It's one way to make yourself feel useful.  Give back to society in any way you can," Wood said.

Brandon Feller is president of the Delaware County United Way, a group that helps fund people in need.

"What I've seen over the last few years in Delaware County are pockets of need that would shock most people," Feller said.

Delaware's helpline saw a 21 percent increase in basic-need calls and a 43 percent increase in food-need calls between July and December 2008, according to Feller.

Many of those calls came from unemployed and underemployed residents.

"It's heart wrenching because our agencies are doing their best to help out however they can, but with the demands, what's needed is outpacing what's available," Feller said.

Hunt said residents in need and helping agencies hoped those who have the time or money will continue to donate.

Residents can call 211 for many needs, including information about human-service agencies, food and shelter providers, child-care resources, special services for seniors, volunteer opportunities, county and city information and more.