Broadcast 6/12/09 – KVCR’s continuing series on the housing crisis has host Roger Bowman asking the executive directors of the greater Los Angeles and Inland Empire regions’ 2-1-1 services about how they help callers get in touch with resources that can solve the housing problems in our communities.

The guests for the call-in show is Maribel Marin and Lyz Melendez of the Los Angeles 2-1-1, Judy Bowden of the Orange County 2-1-1, Craig Redelsperger of Riverside 2-1-1, and Gary Madden of San Bernardino 2-1-1. Together they oversee the call centers that provide referrals and assistance to hundreds of thousands of callers each year within the four counties comprising 17 million residents.

With the unprecedented level of foreclosures and corresponding evictions instigated by the mortgage crisis, demand for 2-1-1 services has never been higher. Available to nearly all residents as a free service, the 2-1-1 program provides callers the contact information of one or more community resources that may be able to assist someone with a need. Similar to 9-1-1 and 4-1-1, most any standard home phone in any of the four counties can reach a counselor by dialing the three numbers.

Watch and learn what services and resources are available through the 2-1-1 program relating to the mortgage crisis. Call in and ask your own questions of the people that run these helpful programs.

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