211 Day Raises Awareness of Helpline Connecting People to Services Across Perth-Huron
by Bob Montgomery
This Sunday, February 11th, is 211 Day, a day that highlights the information service that connects people to local community programs, social services, government supports, and more 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in over 150 languages.
United Way Perth-Huron Director of Resource Development & Communications Susan Faber says for two decades, 211 Ontario has been helping people navigate the local network of human services.
“With the cost of everything continuing to rise, more people are dealing with challenges in their lives. 211 is an invaluable resource anyone can go to for caring and compassionate help to make sure that whatever they are facing, they aren’t facing it alone”, said Faber.
211 assists people in finding resources before they reach a crisis point. From supports for individuals struggling with their mental health or substance use, to people looking for in-home support for aging parents, food-related needs and more, dialing or texting 211 - or visiting 211ontario.ca - can help. A 211 Navigator will talk through a caller’s unique challenges and connect them with the right supports. Last year there were 2,642 calls to 211 Ontario, and 3,467 visits to the website from people across Perth-Huron looking for information on local programs and services.
Locally, United Way Perth-Huron funds 211 and all local data is maintained and updated here in the community. To help ensure United Way can continue funding 211 and over 40 other important programs and services across Perth-Huron, please donate to the United Way annual campaign today at perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
