The HUBB Arts and Trauma Center, in collaboration with Seeds & Berries LLC, is launching a new resource to support Newark residents through this challenging time of COVID-19.
Officials say the service is a free, confidential, non-judgemental phone line where Newark residents can get Emotional Support and Information from volunteers trained to help the community members experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, sadness, parenting frustration, grief, feeling overwhelmed, anger and more.
To provide more long-lasting relief, callers also receive useful referrals to help them tap into the many services offered in the City of Newark.
According to officials, as the quarantine wages on, many have struggled with loneliness and feeling overwhelmed. As residents find themselves isolated in possibly toxic or dangerous homes, many have been feeling fear and hopelessness.
As the relentless death toll rises day by day, many have experienced complicated grief when they are mourning the loss of their loved ones and cannot get proper closure.
And now, as the City of Newark embarks on the first phase of reopening the community, many are likely facing stress and anxiety about how to transition back into normal life official said.
"When it comes to Emergency Support, many hotlines exist for suicide prevention, Domestic Violence, child abuse, etc. However, where do people, who need just a listening ear and resources, turn to if they don't fit into one of those categories? The HUBB's 'HELPline' gives Newark residents a place to turn for help that is a phone call away".
According to officials, the service is available on Monday-Saturday from 8 am-11 pm and on Sundays, The HUBB' HELPline' offers an Interfaith Prayer Line
(English at 3 pm, Spanish at 4 pm and Islamic at 5:30 pm).
The 'HELPline' phone number is (862-763-9907).