313-CARE Hotline Assists 100+ Families in First Week

Callers helped with food, utilities, housing, mental care needs

May 12, 2020 – The Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) CARE hotline received 119 calls in its first week, connecting families with critical resources that they need outside of traditional classroom services. 

Callers to the 313-CARE (2273) line received assistance and referrals for food, utilities, housing, self-care, mental health and unemployment.  However, operators said the value of the hotline extended beyond basic physical needs. 

“One operator reported that an elderly man called in because he desperately needed human interaction,” said Alicia Averette, assistant superintendent of Academic Support Programs & Special Populations.  “While we were able to help him get connected to services within the Metro area, what he really wanted was a human that he could talk to for just a moment.  This truly is people work at its best.”

The CARE hotline was launched last week to help connect families with needed resources and services during the Coronavirus pandemic. The line will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until May 29.  The district will evaluate the response and determine if there’s a need for it to continue over the summer and into next year.