For those individuals and families in need of a helping hand, assistance is just a phone call away thanks to a breath of life given to the Waterloo Help Line.

On Thursday, Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith, a catalyst in forming the Help Line several years ago, bestowed the community outreach program with new leadership. The Help Line came about a few years ago when Smith started hosting monthly breakfast meetings for local pastors and civic leaders as a way to share ideas and strengthen community relationships.

One of the projects that stemmed from those meetings was the Help Line.

Now, a panel of community volunteers and the newly formed Monroe County House of Neighborly Service will answer the Help Line and guide those in need to local agencies, churches and civic groups such as the Western Egyptian food pantry, Human Support Services, Lion’s Club and the Rotary.

Kelly Lerch, wellness coordinator for the Waterloo School District, said the reinvigorated Help Line will focus on ways to make a larger splash in the community by helping residents in need find assistance dealing with problems ranging from home and vehicle repairs to housing assistance and help paying medical bills.

“The purpose is for the phone to be used to make a difference in the community,” Lerch said. “We want to give people a hand up, not a hand out, so we can help them become self-sustaining.”

Lerch said the Waterloo Help Line eventually hopes to achieve 501c3 non-profit status.

The House of Neighborly Service, which includes numerous local churches and civic organizations, and the city of Waterloo sponsor the Waterloo Help Line. The Help Line will respond to requests for assistance by working through existing services and resources in the community.

The Waterloo Help Line can be reached at 939-8680.