TAMPA -- Social service agencies in the Tampa Bay area say demand for help is still high, as many childrenand families fight a sense of isolation, a year into the pandemic.
Families feel isolated, a year into the pandemic, and economic stress in particular is hurting children in Hillsborough County. Ed Narain is head of the Hillsborough Children's Board. He says his county already leads the state in reports of child abuse, and economic insecurity and isolation have left many children vulnerable.
The head of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Clara Reynolds, says call volumes are still at all time highs. They're hearing from people who are losing their leases because rents haven't been paid for a year.
CARES Act funding has been used to keep daycare and pre-kindergarten facilities available.