Need hope? Call the coronavirus crisis hotline

The Austin Disaster Relief Network knows that sometimes, you just need someone to talk to. So the group has launched a citywide “emotional/spiritual care hotline for families and individuals that are struggling with the loss of job and/or emotions around the coronavirus crisis/economic crisis.” The hotline will be manned by volunteers “trained to provide callers with basic emotional and spiritual support.” Daniel Geraci, ADRN’s executive director, said in a press release, “I met a business owner yesterday who was terrified because he had to let most of his employees go and didn’t know if his business would survive. With churches closed, thousands of people losing their job, dramatic lifestyle changes and Austinites shut in for an extended period of time, we believe individuals and families need a hotline they can call for comfort, support and prayer in a time when they may be losing hope.” The hotline is designed to handle thousands of calls a day and callers may call back as often as they need. The hotline number is 512-537-7100 and it is available Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.