Do You Know About 211?

211 is not an agency but rather a national public utility for those seeking information and services.  It’s an award winning 24/7 telephone helpline and website providing an entry point to community, social, health and related government services.  In Ontario, 211 is governed by a non profit agency that works in collaboration with 6 Regional Service Providers and a network of data contributors to deliver 211 services to all Ontario residents.  211 is a free, confidential, province-wide helpline that simplifies finding support and community services for Ontario residents. 

211 helps people find basic needs such as food, housing and emergency financial assistance. It connects those in need with agencies who can help someone cope with health issues like cancer or elderly citizens stay in their own homes. 211 also supports staff and volunteers at agencies who are in need of information about community services for their clients.   When you dial 2-1-1, you reach a real person, 24/7, who is highly trained to listen and help.  211 offers multilingual service in 170 languages as well as TTY service. 

In Ontario, an up to date inventory of over 60,000 community, social, health and government services is accessible through the database, including details about the services provided.  Community navigators answer calls and are able to help people better understand their problems and make informed decisions about possible resources and solutions.  Navigators are prepared to assess and meet the immediate and short-term needs of callers who are experiencing a crisis such as threatened suicide, domestic abuse or other forms of violence, runaway youth, psychiatric emergency, substance abuse etc.  Research indicates that 80% of callers do follow-up on the recommended resources and follow-up surveys with callers indicate high levels of satisfaction with the 211 service. 

The vision of 211 Ontario is to be the primary source of information and a gateway to human services for individuals and planners.  For individuals, 211 will be a number that people know and trust to provide the right resources, to help people connect to their communities and maintain a good quality of life.  For community and government agencies, 211 will be a trusted resource to help them find services for their clients and to provide data that enables additional insight into the needs of communities. For emergency responders and managers, 211 will provide a channel for authoritative information to be delivered to the public regarding an emergency or disaster.  For government planners and decision-makers, 211 will provide rich data about user needs to help inform investment and policy decisions.

The 211 service for Dufferin County is delivered by Community Connection, a professionally accredited information and referral agency located in Collingwood. To request a 211 presentation to your group or staff team or to order print materials visit www.infosimcoecounty.ca.