What is United Way Durham Region and 211?

COURTNEY McCLURE, The Standard

NORTH DURHAM: United Way Durham Region has partnered with Findhelp/211 Central.

“211 is the front door to support, helping people navigate the complex network of government and community programs and services quickly to find what they need for their unique situation,” said the Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator at Findhelp Information Services / 211 Central Region Michele Watson.

According to Ms. Watson, 211 is an “easy-to-remember 3-digit number” people can call for information about all community, health, government and social service programs, agencies and services.

“Fighting poverty and its impact and causes is at the core of the mission of the United Way,” she said.

According to her, the partnership between United Way Durham Region and Findhelp/211 is a crucial communication chain, linking people to local services and programs.

If someone needs to connect to a specific service but doesn’t know how to access it, Ms. Watson recommends they call 211. A senior can call if they seek home care support services if a mother needs baby food for her child. You could also call to get information about your local food bank, mental health services or housing assistance.

211 Central connects residents living in the Toronto, Durham, Peel and York Regions, respectively and is available 24/7. Services are also available in over 150 languages. Operators are also available by text, email or online chat services.

Text services (for 211) are available Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Live chat services are available through 211Ontario.ca/chat from Monday to Friday, starting at 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

You can also reach them by email at gethelp@211Ontario.ca from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

To access more information about 211 online, visit Durham.211Central.ca for Durham Region or 211Ontario.ca for province-wide service. 211.ca will connect you to nationwide services.

For more information about the service itself or if you need some staff training around 211 services, please contact Michele Watson at mwatson@findhelp.ca or visit their website at unitedway.ca.