More people than ever are turning to local social services for help due to economic instability and lingering effects from the pandemic.
Calling 211 for information on how to access vital services has become a lifeline.
Every year there is an annual event promoting 211 awareness. It’s always the 11th day of the second month in each year.
That’s Ottawa’s John Hoyles. He’s the CEO of Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario, an organization that, along with the United Way, is a founding partner of the 211 information system.
211 is a Canada-wide phone and online service which anyone can use to find timely information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services.
CNEO’s Hoyles says there’s no real substitute for person-to-person communication.
John Hoyles says 211 can quickly respond to concerns in any language with a presence in Canada.
Demand continues to climb, and 211 is the number to call.
By Rick Stow
