Nevada Rural Housing Authority has reached that point where we have administered all our government issued Section 8 Vouchers for rental assistance and now must close our waiting list. And yet, the need is still out there in the community.

The challenge for me is to try and find alternative services for people in need who walk into our lobby looking for assistance. I’ve done quite a bit of research online and am currently working on compiling a list to help the public to locate services and resources available in Northern Nevada.

I have found that Nevada 211 is a great resource and something of a one-stop-shop for social services. Nevada 211 launched in February 2006 and is led by the State of Nevada, United Way of Southern Nevada, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Crisis Call Center, and HELP of Southern Nevada. Last year the free service received over 60,000 calls. Operators are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. They have referrals for basic human needs, physical and mental health resources, employment support, support for older Americans and persons with disabilities, support for children, youth and families and volunteer opportunities and donations.

Nevada 211 can be reached online at www.nevada211.org or by dialing 2-1-1. I encourage everyone looking for additional support in these tough times to utilize their services.