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View Winners → Five Acres in Altadena Launches HOPE Line
Community May 19, 2020
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Now with theU.S. highest unemployment rate due to the coronavirus, people are strugglingfinancially, experiencing food insecurity, and facing mental health challengeslike depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Altadena-based fostercare/adoption and mental health provider, Five Acres has launched the HOPE lineat (800) 696-6793 or HOPE@5acres.org where individuals can call, text or email. The HOPE linestaff helps people in need of support in mental health, prevention of childabuse, domestic violence, and families seeking to become foster resourcefamilies
“The numberof referrals being received by our community service programs is on the risedue to the mental stress of the pandemic,” said Five Acres CEO ChanelBoutakidis, who also expressed concern for the children who are experiencingabuse behind closed doors and have no means of reporting it to a trusting adultlike a teacher, school counselor, or peer.
According tothe Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services, on average,the county’s Child Protection Hotline received about 1,000 dailyreports. In recent weeks, however, there has been a decline in calls of upto 50 percent.
The agency’s community-based services team is available now to assist with basic needs resources, assessing abuse and reporting it, and starting the process for additional Five Acres services. While the HOPE line is not a 24/7 crisis line, the agency’s staff will reply within one business day to all texts or calls to (800) 696-6793 or emails to HOPE@5acres.org requesting help.
To learnmore about Five Acres, visit 5acres.org.
