When I’m out in the community, I often meet people who feel disconnected from government and social services. They may be experiencing mental health challenges substance use concerns, or even facing housing or food insecurity.
Sadly, in many instances, they don’t know where to turn for help.
Some told me they called 911 when it wasn’t really an emergency. They may be unintentionally diverting police, paramedics, or firefighters away from those who need immediate assistance. Others told me they weren’t sure what constituted an emergency. In many cases, they just needed someone to talk to that could help them resolve a personal crisis.
That’s precisely why United Way launched the 211 service. 211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, nonclinical health and social services. The free and confidential service can be accessed in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text, and web.
Every day, the helpline provides a pathway to care and resources to people in vulnerable circumstances, including seniors, newcomers, Indigenous communities, and more.
One in five people in Halton and Hamilton will find themselves using the services of a United Way-funded agency in their lifetime. It may be shelter, food, educational supports, addiction and mental health support among other services.
And you don’t need to check the news to see that many in our community, and the nation, are struggling.
Now more than ever, people need support because of the challenges brought about by the economic downturn. Inflation, fuel costs, and increased food and housing expenses are making it difficult for members of our community to meet their basic needs.
Across Canada, 211 service partners responded to over 630,000 contacts by phone, text, chat, and email in the past year. We’ve seen an increase in 211 contacts related to housing and around mental health and substance use. Notably, these are also pressing challenges that many members of our local community are grappling with.
As we recognize 211 Day on February 11, 2024, let’s remember that information is power.
Empower your friends, relatives, neighbours and colleagues with knowledge about this important service. If you need support around shelter, food security, legal help, mental health support or any other government or community-based services, just dial 211!
Help us spread the word to ensure that members of our community have a helping hand in their time of need.
So let’s encourage them to make the call. It’s as easy as dialing 2-1-1.
To learn more about 211 services, please visit 211ontario.ca.
Brad Park
President and CEO
United Way Halton & Hamilton
