Ottawa, February 10, 2026 – United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) and 211 service partners across the country join communities in celebrating 211 Day on February 11 by raising awareness of the life-changing impacts of reaching out to 211 online, by phone or text to find community services.
Available 365 days a year and in more than 150 languages depending on the region, 211 is a free, confidential information and referral helpline that connects people to vital community, social and government services. As a founding partner of 211 in Canada, UWCC provides critical funding and national support.
On 211 Day, communities illuminate landmarks and monuments across the country in red for United Glow to bring attention to this critical service. The full and updated list of illuminations is available on UWCC’s website.
211 Strengthens Communities
Demand for 211 services demonstrates the essential role that 211 plays across Canada. From January to September 2025, 211 navigators answered 438,899 calls, 38,105 texts, and 19,776 other contacts, a total of 496,780 interactions.
211 has been a vital resource when communities are hit with hurricanes and wildfires, helping with emergency response and recovery. Every day, people in Canada rely on 211 to find supports and navigate access to services.
Bridging the Gap: Help Starts Here
Across Canada, 211 data provide valuable information to governments and service providers about changing needs and service gaps. Housing/shelter and mental health assessment and treatment have consistently remained within the top five identified needs annually from 2022 to 2025. Both housing/shelter and mental health assessment and treatment needs have increased year over year in 2023 and 2024, with early data trending towards a similar increase in 2025.
These trends underline service gaps caused by limited resources, insufficient staffing, and eligibility barriers. Community needs continue to outpace availability of services, suggesting current funding for services is not keeping up with community needs.
People Helping People
At the heart of 211 are community navigators. As trained information and referral specialists, 211 navigators have access to a broad database to help people find services.
As one Navigator has said: “When you’re lost and you don’t know what to do, people know they can call us, and a real person will answer.”
Acting as a front door, they help people to find the right referral, for the right need, at the right time. Whether calling, texting, or searching online, community members can find compassionate, expert help navigating a complex landscape of government and community services. Help is just three digits away!
Supporting Government Priorities
211 maintains the country’s largest database of community and government services, collaborating with government to connect people to public services and provides information about available services and service gaps. By investing in 211 as a centralized access point, governments can ensure that residents are only three digits away from the care and support they richly deserve.
To reach 211, anyone can dial or text 2-1-1, visit the newly enhanced website to access their regional 211 service, or download the 211 Canada app.
About United Way Centraide Canada
United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) is the national office that represents and supports a network of United Way Centraides serving 5,000 communities across Canada United Way Centraide is Canada’s largest non-government funder of human and community services, mobilizing over $600 million annually to support basic needs to over 8 million people. United Way Centraides exist locally to serve those experiencing vulnerability in our communities and to create an equitable future for all. They work in partnership with more than 4,770 unique community service organizations delivering essential services so that everyone in every community can have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
About 211
211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text, and web.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Erika Jacinto
National Director, Communications
United Way Centraide Canada
