TAMPA, Fla. — For decades, 211 has been the number to call to find out what resources are available to help with everything from food to elder care.

Now, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is reminding those impacted by the government shutdown that it’s a lifeline they can turn to, as well.

What You Need To Know

The president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay says 211 staff have received 100 calls related to the government shutdown since it began October 1

One care coordinator says she’s hearing from more people who work with agencies like the TSA who are facing financial struggles

The crisis center can connect those in need to 3,700 resources from 1,800 organizations, ranging from help paying for gas and utilities to emotional support

The center’s CEO said staff are continually curating resources and letting leadership know why people are calling to fill any gaps in need

Clara Reynolds, the center’s president and CEO, said staff received 100 calls related to the shutdown since it began on October 1. She said those are just the callers who self identified that they’re struggling because of the stalemate in Washington. One care coordinator said while she’s helping different clients, they’re facing similar challenges.

“They just don’t know what to do – truly,” said Porsche Davis, a veteran care coordinator. “They are in need of emotional support. They’ve never been through something like this before.”

Davis is one of the people callers are referred to after they initially dial 211. 

“Since the shutdown, I’ve noticed that there have been more calls with our public officers that are needing help now – you know, like TSA, people who work at the courthouse,” Davis said.

Porsche Davis is a veteran care coordinator. She’s one of the people callers are referred to after dialing 211. Davis says she’s hearing from more folks who work as public officers – for @TSA, at courthouses – since the shutdown began. She tells us finances are a big issue. @BN9 pic.twitter.com/1YJXYChzhQ

— Sarah Blazonis (@SarahBlazonis) November 4, 2025

Money is a major issue. Davis said she’s helped callers who still have to go to work but aren’t getting paid get gas cards, pay utility bills, and find emotional support – all thanks to local programs.

“This looks like it’s going to be the longest shutdown in the nation’s history,” said Reynolds. “We’re expecting more individuals to be reaching out, particularly as we get closer to the holidays.”

Reynolds said any Tampa Bay organization that gets public government funds is required to register its resources with 211. The center can help connect people with more than 3,700 resources from 1,800 organizations. She said what sets 211 apart are trained professionals, like Davis, who can help callers develop a plan and identify needs they may have put on the back burner.

“They may have been calling because they needed a food resource or a child care resource, but you find that there’s a lot more going on in their lives,” said Reynolds.

Davis said she spent Monday morning at Feeding Tampa Bay. Getting out in the community is another way the center is working to connect with those in need. 

“We had a person who was retired but her retirement pay is, right now, in limbo because the people who process that are not working,” Davis said.

She said that limbo – from not knowing when the shutdown will end to lack of clarity on when and how much SNAP benefits will hit accounts – is taking a toll.

“The uncertainty is fear,” Davis said. “How are they going to care for their family? The lifestyle that they’re used to living, they can’t sustain that right now.”

Reynolds urges anyone in need to call 211. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.