Times are tough, and that makes life for those already struggling even harder.

People who are depressed, have lost a job, are being evicted, enduring domestic stress, grieving a loss or undergoing any kind of crisis now have a one-stop-shop to get help.

The Center for Community Resources Crisis Walk-In Center opened Wednesday at 91 S. Progress Ave., Pottsville.

The first of its kind in Schuylkill County, the center is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Crisis help is also available by phone at 877-993-4357; text at 63288, or chat at ccrinfo.org.

Mobile crisis services are offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Those who walk through the doors get immediate help, beginning with being offered a drink or snack, a chat to clarify what issues they’re dealing with, and suggestions and referrals to the people who can best help.

“One of the biggest things for us is connecting people to what they need,” said Director of Programs Patty A. Gilgore.

The center is a much better alternative for those in crisis than going to an emergency room, she said.

The center is “less restrictive, and a more welcoming, calming environment,” Gilgore said.

If someone is distraught and police are involved, they can often bring the person to the center instead of a hospital, if appropriate.

Once the person in need has connected with the right helpers, CCR will stay close to provide support, Gilgore said.

The center accepts donations of clothing and shoes in good condition, and non-perishable foods.

The center was established with the Schuylkill County Mental Health, Developmental Services and Drug & Alcohol Programs.

“The Center for Community Resources provide crisis and delegate services to Schuylkill County,” said Administrator Elaine Gilbert.

“On a yearly basis, they respond to 750-800 mobile calls, 1,500-1,600 delegate calls, provide 15,000-20,000 telephone calls and follow up calls.

“So, we were very excited that they still wanted to venture with us to provide a Crisis Walk-In Center. The Crisis Walk-In Center is a mental health resource that is welcomed as another mental health support for the community,” she said.

On Wednesday, the center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its opening.

Crisis Intervention Specialist Jacob Sirkot showed visitors through the spacious center after public officials spoke. About 108 people toured the center.

County Commissioners Chairman Barron L. Hetherington spoke of the need for the center.

“I feel that this public private partnership is a wonderful and much needed endeavor. Currently our county prison has inmates that are not actually criminals. They are people that end up there by mistake and because of their situation we end up single celling them causing even more inmate crowding. Having a place to go to find the necessary help is huge,” he said.

Commissioner Gary J. Hess also praised the center.

“It’s a great day for Schuylkill County and a long time coming. Our staff has done a great job teaming up to make this center possible,” he said.

“This center will help so many people that has a mental or D&A illness. It will be a friendly place to go where they can get immediate care and be directed to the right services that they need,” Hess said.

“It’s a warm hand reaching out to help them when they are having a crisis. This will be a center that will fight the stigma and help cure the illness.”

Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. also spoke about the need for mental health services for those involved in the legal system.

“County jails have become deficit state hospitals following years of deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental illness. When unmet behavioral health challenges lead to criminal charges, individuals are often committed to jails that are not equipped to address the needs of people who need mental health treatment, resulting in poor outcomes for those individuals and for our communities,” he said.

“Presently, approximately 80 percent of the population in our county jails a mental health diagnosis.”

Halcovage also spoke of the need for more government support of mental health services.

“Lack of adequate state funding that has failed to keep up with demand, coupled with growing caseloads and cost inflation, have pushed the community mental health system the point of collapse. We look forward to working with our state senator and legislators to make sure that these needed services are properly funded,” he said.