The United Manner of Bruce Gray is celebrating a milestone, marking the launch of the 211 data system regionally in 2009.
On February 11, United Manner of Bruce Gray celebrates 211 Day, highlighting the significance of 211 in serving to people and households discover help.
United Manner of Bruce Gray Govt 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 cellphone, 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 data quantity is having a huge effect in Bruce and Gray, serving to join residents with the varied organizations and companies that may meet their wants. It has helped hundreds of individuals entry very important providers and diminished boundaries to help. She stated native residents known as 211 with 9,197 totally different wants in Bruce Gray in 2024.
“Majority of these calls had been round housing. So we all know, , that is a problem. That is what helps resolution makers, like United Manner, 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 perhaps put some funding in direction of these points.”
211 Ontario screenshot. From United Manner Bruce Gray.
On Oct. 15, 2020, the Authorities of Canada, in partnership with United Manner Centraide Canada, introduced funding to activate the nationwide enlargement of 211. The federal government additionally introduced funding to help current 211 providers experiencing surging demand. Dobbyn added 211 has change into a dependable supply of knowledge and help throughout emergencies like fires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“And it grew to become the entrance door to assist folks via that system and thru that disaster,” Dobbyn continued. “And it is that entrance door now for people who find themselves making an attempt to navigate a housing disaster, the opioid disaster, the affordability disaster, or ask ‘the place can I get some meals right now?'”
Dobbyn identified native companies similar to meals banks, housing organizations, and psychological well being providers have seen elevated referrals. She additionally stated this system assists first responders and social staff, easing the burden on emergency providers. Dobbyn stated United Manner Bruce Gray is devoted to increasing 211’s attain, working with neighborhood companions to make providers much more accessible and efficient.
“It is actually wonderful what it may well do when it comes to connecting. What it may well’t do is create issues,” she said, “So, sadly, if you happen to had been homeless in Gray Bruce, and known as to see if there was a shelter, there isn’t a shelter right here. However they’ll join you to what system is offered.”
Folks 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 Manner Perth-Huron, the place 211 is used and accessed often for a similar causes as customers in Gray and Bruce.
