April 4, 2011
Free Community Voice Mail at Risk of Disappearing
The line connecting some Travis County residents to the outside world could soon go dead.
Community voicemail is a free service available in more than 400 cities across the nation which acts as a lifeline for many homeless people who have no other way of setting up appointments, keeping in touch with family or getting calls back from potential employers.
Users receive a personal phone number from one of 17 agencies within the city which they can use as their voice mailbox, personal greeting and all. The number can be checked from any cell phone or land line and is private to the individual.
Charles Love has used the system for nearly a year and says it gives him a sense of independence.
"It's been a big help," he said. "It's allowed me to feel like I have a little bit of control in my life and the situation I'm in right now."
Right now, state lawmakers are looking to eliminate the service from the general fund altogether.
"If we keep having programs cut, how are we going to gain sufficiency once again," Love said.
To see who benefits from the service and how you can help, click here.
To watch video click here.
By Alana Rocha for austin.ynn.com