Today (Thursday) is Ontario 211 day, a day to celebrate the province-wide telephone information and referral service.
Ontario 211 provides callers information from more than 56,000 services and agencies right across the province of Ontario and is a free, live, 24 hour a day service.
The United Way of Perth-Huron supports the telephone service here in Perth and Huron Counties and as part of 211 Day, they are trying to get the word out about the service.
"It's a free service that anybody can call in our community to access the social and community services that we have within this community," says Susan Faber, director of communications for United Way of Perth-Huron. "It's a real live person that answers the phone and they can work through any problem or concern or question that you have and come up with referrals or answers that you need."
Faber adds while the 211 service has gained popularity in communities throughout the province, locally they're trying to spread the word as many people still aren't aware of its existence.
"We're still trying to get the word out locally here in Perth and Huron Counties to try and increase the numbers of people using the free service," notes Faber.
Faber says the more calls they receive, the better understanding they'll have of what services are most needed in the community.
Some of the services that 211 can connect people with include:
- 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
- Seniors
- Settlement and newcomer services
- Youth services