Midwestern

211 Service Vital Link to Emergency Preparedness in Perth Huron

The Perth Huron United Way is raising awareness of the 2-1-1 service as part of Emergency Preparedness Week.

Ontario 211 is an information and referral service for community and social services, supported locally by the United Way.

It is answered live, 24-hours a day, by trained specialists who can refer callers to the closest support services.

The Perth Huron United Way's Director of Community Information says 211 is used for non urgent calls about issues like power outages, cooling stations, road conditions, emergency procedures and water supplies.

Susan Faber says 211 ensures vulnerable residents needs are met after a disaster.

She reminds residents that by getting information from 211, it will free up 911 for immediate emergencies.

“So it’s important to consider in an emergency whether it is a 911 call or if 211 can be of service – this will free up the 911 line for others” Faber concluded.

Locally, 211 is supported by United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) and administered by PF Solutions, a supported partner of UWPH located at the Stratford Career Centre. United Way’s commitment to the 211 service is to ensure that local data meets 211 standards and remains accurate and current, meaning callers receive the most up-to-date information possible and can confidently access the assistance they need.

With information from more than 56,000 services and agencies across the province of Ontario, assistance can be provided on a wide range of topics. These include, but are not limited to:

· abuse (including sexual assault) · child and family services · consumer protection and complaints · emergency and crisis services · employment, education and training · financial assistance · food and clothing · general community services · health · homelessness · housing · legal issues · multicultural associations · seniors · settlement and newcomer services · youth services Ryan Erb, Executive Director for United Way Perth-Huron concludes, “211 is an important resource for our community; one place to find the information and helpful referral for many of life's challenges. UWPH is proud to have brought the service to our region and proud to continue supporting it.”

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