The United Way of Connecticut is asking lawmakers to double the funding for the 211 hotline, saying it’s been forced to slash staffing as calls for help have jumped.

Daniel Fitzmaurice, director of advocacy, said Monday that the United Way has seen staffing drop from more than 30 operators to 17 currently, while requests for service have jumped 300 percent since 2019.

Stream Connecticut News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

Fitzmaurice said United Way wants lawmakers to double the $3.6 million it receives, adding that amount has been nearly flat since 2010.

“We can only provide a level of service that the state is able to provide as well, as far as this being a public-private partnership,” Fitzmaurice said.

He said wait times for 211 callers peaked in November, when vol

See Full Page