Landmarks across Canada will be lit up red today for National 211 Day, including Oakville Town Hall.
211 Day is a national public awareness initiative in partnership with United Way for Canada’s 211 helpline.
211 is a free and confidential helpline available by dialing 211 on your phone, and also through text or online chat.
The platform helps residents navigate the complex network of government, health, community and social service quickly and easily, which takes the strain off of agencies and other services such as 911 that would otherwise be handling these calls.
The 211 service line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with interpretation in over 150 languages.
With support from the Government of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada enabled nationwide access to 211 for the first time in 2021, increasing capacity across provinces where 211 already existed and expanding into parts of the country that weren’t already covered.
In 2021, the top needs identified by 211 both provincially and locally in Halton were accessing health and information services, such public access computers, libraries and directories. Top needs for residents contacting 211 also include support for housing, domestic violence and homeless drop-in shelters.
Manager of Training and Outreach for 211 Central and Findhelp Information Services, Faed Hendry, says 211 is helping Milton community members connect to supports such as food banks, and programs for newcomers.
From March 2020 to June 2021, 211 received more than 6 million calls, texts, and chats.
During 2021, there was a 17% increase in 211 interactions from 2020.
Faed says there has been an increase of people reaching out to 211 services since the start of the pandemic due to anxiety and loneliness.
“The 211 service is a critical component in helping people easily access the supports they need, including all of the programs we fund,” says United Way Halton & Hamilton president and CEO, Brad Park. “The pandemic has pushed many more of our friends and neighbours into challenging and, sometimes crisis situations that make it difficult to know where to turn. 211 is always there to help.”
Faed shares a story of a caller who found support and help in contacting 211, and adds that 211 provides reliable and up to date services that users can rely on.
For more information on accessing 211 visit 211Ontario.ca.
