211 is a free, confidential information and helpline service for anyone looking for community and social resources close to home. you can reach the help you need via a call or online

From basic needs like housing and food to support for seniors and children to responding in crisis
situations, 211 is there.

The largest national database of community services and government programs in Canada, 211 plays a critical role in helping people navigate available resources. It also offers innovative solutions to community challenges and partners with governments to improve access to supports.

In most of the country, calls to 211 are answered 24/7 with interpretation available in more than 150 languages. You can reach the help you need by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting the 211 website find your local helpline.

211 is the primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. The service provides valuable information to governments and service providers about changing needs.

As a proud founding partner of 211 in Canada, United Way Centraide Canada provides funding and support for the program and is working to make its services available from coast to coast to coast.

Who Does 211 Help?

211 is a valuable resource for everyone.

Individuals

No matter who you are or where you live in Canada, 211 is there when you need to connect with community and government support programs and services.

Community Service Organizations

211 helps service providers get accurate information about their programs to people in communities across Canada. For example, frontline workers can use 211’s database to connect their clients to additional resources close to them.

Service Providers

211, which captures valuable information about the resources Canadians need and the supply of services in local communities, helps non-profits, governments, and others plan to ensure the support they provide meets changing demand.

211 Impact

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

of Canadians that currently have access to 211 service

of callers that report receiving the help they need from a 211 referral

602,834

Contacts made by phone, text, chat and email were answered by the 211 service in 2023

686,000

Needs were handled in 2023 by Community Navigators of the 211 service

144,000

Records of community, social and government services and programs are available in 211 resource databases

Housing and Shelter Services

Top need expressed in contacts with the 211 services in 2023

How 211 Changed a Life

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.

Read His Story

Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit 211.ca