211

211’s telephone line and online directory help Canadians deal with life’s challenges. The service connects users with vital community and social resources, close to home and specific to their needs. From basic needs like housing and food, to support for seniors and children, to responding to crisis situations, 211 is there.

United Way is a proud founding partner of 211 in Canada, providing funding and support for the program, and working to make its services available to all Canadians.

Who does 211 help?

211 is a valuable resource for people from all backgrounds and in many professions.

Female customer support operator with headset and smiling
Canadians

211 connects Canadians to their communities – from a new refugee arriving in Canada or a caregiver tending to an aging parent, to a veteran struggling with re-entry into civilian life. People in crisis receive immediate attention, and those needing ongoing support always have a place to turn.

Agencies

211 helps service providers get accurate information about their programs to Canadians. Front line workers – from police and paramedics, to doctors and clergy – can use 211’s database to connect their clients with additional resources in their community.

Planners

From nonprofits to government, data drives planning and innovation in the social and community services sector. 211 captures valuable information about the resources Canadians need and the supply of services in local communities, offering unique insight into the planning process.

Our impact

Every year, 211 connects over 2 million Canadians with the help they need most.

Percent of Canadians that currently have access to 211 service
100%
Percent of callers that report receiving the help they need from a 211 referral
89%
Number of Canadians each year calling 2-1-1 to connect with community services
575,000
Number of visitors accessing 211’s online database of local resources annually
1.5 million
A changed life made possible by you

A young man began his coming out process by confiding in some high school friends. They had been supportive and his next step was to inform his parents, but he was extremely nervous. Thankfully, 211 was there to help.

Teenager wearing braces smiling to the camera