United Way of Bruce Grey is joining communities across Canada in celebrating 211 Day on February 11, raising awareness of a simple but powerful resource that helps people find the supports they need, right when they need them.
Launched in Toronto in 2002 and Grey Bruce in 2009, 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. By dialling or texting 2-1-1, or visiting www.informationbrucegrey.ca , residents of Bruce and Grey counties can be connected to hundreds of local and regional community, social, and government services, in multiple languages.
“When life gets complicated, people don’t need another phone book. They need a real person who can help them find a way forward,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way of Bruce Grey. “211 is often the first door people open when they’re overwhelmed, uncertain, or facing a crisis.”
Challenges don’t follow office hours. Whether it’s late at night, on a weekend, or during a holiday, 211 is there with a real person ready to help connect someone to support, even when local programs are closed.
A Front Door to Community Support: From housing and food supports to mental health services, income assistance, transportation, and help for seniors, caregivers, and newcomers, 211 helps people navigate a complex network of services with compassion and clarity.
Across Canada, demand for 211 continues to grow, underscoring its essential role in strengthening communities. Nationally, hundreds of thousands of calls, texts, and online searches are answered each year by trained community navigators who help connect people to the right service, at the right time.
“Behind every call or text is a person trying to make sense of a difficult situation,” added Dobbyn. “211 helps reduce stress, prevent crises from escalating, and ensures people don’t fall through the cracks.”
Data That Helps Communities Respond: Beyond helping individuals, anonymized 211 data provides valuable insights into emerging community needs and service gaps. Housing insecurity, mental health supports, and access to basic needs continue to be among the most common reasons people reach out, reflecting pressures being felt locally and across the country.
“These trends tell an important story,” said Dobbyn. “They help United Way, service providers, and governments understand where systems are stretched and where investment is urgently needed.”
How to Reach 211
· Dialing or texting 2-1-1 · Visiting 211ontario.ca or www.informationbrucegrey.ca (local database)
· Using the 211 Canada app
On 211 Day, United Way of Bruce Grey encourages everyone to save the number, share it with a neighbour, and remember that help is always just three digits away.
About United Way of Bruce Grey: United Way of Bruce Grey works with local partners to address poverty and improve lives across Bruce and Grey counties. By investing in vital community services and initiatives, United Way helps ensure people have access to the supports they need to thrive.
About 211: 211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 by phone, text, and online.
