Welcome!

During these times of economic crisis, Maryland families are hurting. Just the other day, I came across a middle class Marylander who has been out of work for 10 months. He was a loyal manager of a team of five employees and had worked at the company for eight years. He has nearly 15 years of work experience, a college degree and three kids to look after. He can't get a job.

This story is playing out in households across our state. As Comptroller, I've seen the extraordinary financial hardship that has been caused by our nation's economic crisis. Far too many Maryland families are threatened by the loss of jobs, homes and life savings. Unfortunately, the emotional and mental strain they are now experiencing is likely to get worse as we approach the holidays.

If you, your loved ones or your friends need help, Maryland is here for you. Whether you need help paying for heat, electricity or medication, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, looking for a new job or simply putting food on the table, there's a phone number you can call - 211 - to get help.

Maryland's 211 centers are staffed by professionals who are trained to help callers with a broad range of needs, and who will connect callers with the right community-based resources. This lifeline cuts through the confusion of Maryland's more than 500 toll-free and local numbers to provide timely and accurate information that can, and will, save lives.

Please go online to www.211.org for more information, and please spread the word about this lifeline to your families, friends and neighbors. By working together and helping each other, we will make it through these very difficult times.

Thank you.

Peter