After the initial launch phase, 211 will be officially launched July 26, for central Alberta residents.
211 is a free, confidential, multilingual, 24 hour information and referral system. 211 provides information on government and community based health and social services. 211 is available in certain regions across the province.
211 collects valuable social data that helps everyone by identifying service gaps and emerging trends that can influence future community service planning. This data is organized by need and not by who delivers the service which makes it easier for anyone seeking information about community and social services in their community or in the province, either for themselves or for someone else.
According to the United Way of Central Alberta, "there are hundreds of not for profit organizations in Central Alberta {...} When individuals go without help because they are unaware of the services available to them, our communities waste valuable resources and people fail to get the support they need.
"With 211, communities can address the diverse needs of their residents and ensure increased coordination among services, identify gaps and overlaps in services by geographic mapping, and track human service usage. By providing a centralized point of information, 211 will help ensure the most efficient use of community resources."
The service will also help community, health and government service organizations by decreasing inappropriate referrals to them.
The United Way of Central Alberta is funding the database for 211 Central Alberta for the foreseeable future. Funding for the phone part of the system will need to be secured before the phone system can be set up.
211 is available by searching the easy-to-use online database at www.ab.211.ca or you can also reach the Alberta 211 call centres on the following toll-free numbers: Calgary - Central Alberta & Alberta South 1-855-266-1605 Edmonton - Alberta North - 1-888-482-4696
Search for information on:
• Financial & social assistance • Housing & utility help • Food assistance & meal programs • Seniors’ services & home care • Parenting & family programs • Government program assistance
• Disability support services • Volunteer organizations • Newcomer services • Mental health support • and much