February 11 is 211 day
The United Way annually uses the day to promote the national 211 helpline.
Alyssa Cooke, the Community Impact Coordinator at United Way Hastings Prince Edward says many people are still unaware of the service.
“Your call is answered by an information referral specialist. So they’ll chat with you right off the bat and be able to help you find the information and the help that you’re needing in the community. It’s also free and available in 150 languages and you can access it 24/7, 365 days a year.”
211 provides information about a variety of services.
“It could be something as simple as, let’s say you’re new to the community and your daughter wants to play soccer and they could help connect you with programs. It could be something like your rent payment just came out and you can’t afford your groceries and you need access to a food program. Or even, let’s say you’re a parent and you have a child that’s in crisis, you could call 211 and they could help walk you through that process and get your child connected to the services that they need in the community.”
Cooke says 211 can alleviate calls to 911 to make sure that number stays available for true emergencies.
The service can also be accessed at www.211ontario.ca
