NEW GLASGOW – For more than 20 years, the Help Line has been helping Pictou County residents who have nowhere else to turn. But now, it’s the organization that needs the help.
“We need a new home,” explains executive director Arlis MacCallum. “A confidential place to operate, in a donated space. The Help Line is in need of help.”
The Help Line’s current location will no longer be available after mid-summer, so the organization is in the process of sourcing out a spot. They don’t need much room – two 10 foot by six foot rooms would do, she said.
Like other helping organizations, the Help Line is noticing the demand for their services is on the rise. Over the winter, they had an increase in the number of calls from people who needed food and fuel, and were able to refer them to other agencies that could offer aid. Around Christmas, she said, there were a lot of calls from people who were looking for assistance in giving their families a good holiday.
The Help Line has shorter hours – they now operate from 2-10 p.m. – but that hasn’t seen any reduction in the number of calls they receive.
“They just come in a shorter period,” she said.
“There’s such a need in the community for this kind of service. The fact that we’ve been here for 27 years speaks for itself.”
For anyone wishing to volunteer or suggest a donated space where the Help Line could relocate, call 752-5952.
