The United Means of Bruce Gray is celebrating a milestone, marking the launch of the 211 info system domestically in 2009.
On February 11, United Means of Bruce Gray celebrates 211 Day, highlighting the significance of 211 in serving to people and households discover help.
United Means of Bruce Gray Government Director Francesca Dobbyn defined 211 is a free, confidential service that connects folks to native well being and social providers. The system is offered in over 150 languages through telephone, chat, textual content, and internet, to help psychological well being, monetary counselling, meals applications, housing, employment, seniors, newcomers, and folks with disabilities.
Dobbyn added the 211 info quantity is having a big impact in Bruce and Gray, serving to join residents with the varied organizations and companies that may meet their wants. It has helped 1000’s of individuals entry very important providers and decreased boundaries to help. She mentioned native residents known as 211 with 9,197 completely different wants in Bruce Gray in 2024.
“Majority of these calls have been round housing. So we all know, you already know, that is a problem. That is what helps resolution makers, like United Means, just like the province and native governments, like Bruce and Gray County, perceive what is going on on on the market,” Dobbyn continued. “So we are able to have a look at these points. What are folks calling about? And assist folks navigate, and possibly put some funding in the direction of these points.”
211 Ontario screenshot. From United Means Bruce Gray.
On Oct. 15, 2020, the Authorities of Canada, in partnership with United Means Centraide Canada, introduced funding to activate the nationwide enlargement of 211. The federal government additionally introduced funding to help present 211 providers experiencing surging demand. Dobbyn added 211 has develop into a dependable supply of data and help throughout emergencies like fires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“And it turned the entrance door to assist folks by way of that system and thru that disaster,” Dobbyn continued. “And it is that entrance door now for people who find themselves attempting to navigate a housing disaster, the opioid disaster, the affordability disaster, or ask ‘the place can I get some meals at present?'”
Dobbyn identified native companies reminiscent of meals banks, housing organizations, and psychological well being providers have seen elevated referrals. She additionally mentioned this system assists first responders and social employees, easing the burden on emergency providers. Dobbyn mentioned United Means Bruce Gray is devoted to increasing 211’s attain, working with group companions to make providers much more accessible and efficient.
“It is actually superb what it will probably do by way of connecting. What it will probably’t do is create issues,” she acknowledged, “So, sadly, if you happen to have been homeless in Gray Bruce, and known as to see if there was a shelter, there is no such thing as a shelter right here. However they will join you to what system is offered.”
Individuals can dial 2-1-1 for twenty-four/7 non-emergency help from skilled professionals to get related with the fitting providers. The service can also be being touted and celebrated by United Means Perth-Huron, the place 211 is used and accessed regularly for a similar causes as customers in Gray and Bruce.
