WACO, TX — Texans Recovering together is a grant funded program, designed to help you with anything you may be struggling with as we make our way through a pandemic.
Funded through a short relief grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, it uses crisis counselors to help those in need.
There is a 24/7 toll free hotline you can call at (866) 752-3451.
Program Director Vince Erickson says they can meet over the phone, a video call or even in person.
"It is a service and it is designed to be outreach orientated and strength based. In other words we're empowering people to use the tools they have at their own hands," Erickson said.
Some of the counselor's biggest priorities are helping disaster survivors understand their current situation to reduce stress and providing emotional support.
Counselors can also look to connect you with other agencies to help create solutions for a specific problem or struggle.
Since starting a few months ago, they have received more than 2,000 COVID-19 related calls. The main issue they're seeing is those missing basic human interaction.
"We are seeing a steady increase of people in particular [concerned with a] prolonged separation of family and friends," Erikson said. "There is a total disruption in the way of life right now."
Operating out of the Central Texas Region MHMR, Texans Recovering Together help those in McLennan, Bosque, Limestone, Freestone Hill and Falls counties.
Usually programs like this are set up after a natural disaster, and after seeing how Covid-19 has affected the nation, officials saw crisis counselors as a priority to the community.
Spanish Speaking counselors are also available. If you are in need of assistance or just need someone to talk to you can call the 24/7 toll free hotline at (866) 752-3451 or during normal business hours at (254) 297-7071.
You can also visit their website for more information on Texans Recovering Together.
