211 can be a frontline for connecting people to an array of supports, such as food, income, housing, seniors,, people with disabilities, newcomers, violence and abuse victims, mental health and addictions, employment, and more.
211 is an information, assessment, referral and follow up service that connects people to help when they need it. The service is now in every province and territory and it is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community based programs and services, as well as non-clinical health and social services. Kimberly Leonard is the Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for 211 in this province. She says 211 can be a frontline for connecting people to an array of supports, such as food, income, housing, seniors,, people with disabilities, newcomers, violence and abuse victims, mental health and addictions, employment, and more. Leonard says 211 is always answered by a person, not a machine and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days of the year. She says they have over 150 languages, including Indigenous, and wait times are less than a minute. Leonard says the motto at 211 is “help starts here.”