United Way offers help to workers Maryland's budget crisis

United Way of Central Maryland is offering First Call for Help, an information and referral service for people seeking job counseling, housing, food, shelter and other forms of assistance.

The number for the 24-hour service is 685-0525 in the Baltimore area, or 1-800-492-0618 toll-free, or TYY (for the deaf) 685-2159.

The United Way is particularly encouraging state employees who will lose their jobs because of the new state budget cuts to take advantage of the service.