REFERRAL NETWORK WOULD OFFER HELP

An information referral network that would enable families like Debbie Hunt's to find help quickly is in the planning stage.

Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the Area Wide United Way, says a single toll-free phone number would connect people anywhere in the region with information about their specific needs.

Many communities already have such a network, Jernigan says. A software package makes it easily accessed.

Funds for the network are still to be acquired but Jernigan hopes it can be established in 1998.

Beyond that, officials who work with helping agencies say the family emergencies that arise often call for quick action that these agencies aren't necessarily outfitted for.

"There is a real need for an emergency response team for people who fall through the cracks," says Shirley Ramsey, executive coordinator of the Community Caring Council.

"Children are at risk here," she said of the Hunt family.

Jernigan happened to meet Tuesday with heads of local agencies that receive Federal Emergency Management Agency money designated for emergencies. They include the American Red Cross, FISH, the Salvation Army, the Jackson Food Pantry, East Missouri Action Agency and the Safe House for Women.

The United Way administers the fund, which is only $23,000 per year.

"I see a real value in getting people who provide like services together to share information and uncover gaps," she said. "If we coordinated our efforts we might be able to fill some of the gaps this family fell into."