Operation Outreach helps vulnerable Monterey residents during Shelter in Place

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) A new hotline has launched in Monterey to help vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Operation Outreach allows those residents, especially older adults and those with compromised immune systems, to connect over the phone. This is especially important since city facilities; such as the Monterey Sports Center, the Monterey Public Library and other community centers and museums, have closed during the Shelter in Place order.

Operation Outreach is run by staff from the Monterey Public Library and Parks and Recreation Department who help by answering questions, finding resources and easing concerns. They will also help older adults watch out for scams.

"Many of our residents count on our community centers and library for assistance and social interactions. Operation Outreach is a way that we can check in on our vulnerable neighbors and let them know that we are here for them," said City Manager Hans Uslar.

Operation Outreach is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 831-646-3933. Staff will also call regular participants to check in on them weekly or as needed.

So far, Operation Outreach has called more than 450 Monterey residents.

Other resources available include:

• United Way 211- United Way helps to refer services for food, clothing, housing, mental health services, job training, veteran's assistance and more. It is available 24/7 in 170 languages.
• Alliance on Aging- This service connects older adults with services that can help with Medicare questions, food and home-delivered meals, transportation, caregivers, counseling and more. It is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 831-655-1334.
• Monterey County Social Services- This service connects older adults with a "Worker of the Day" who can help provide services. It can be reached at 1-800-510-2020.