BC 211 F.A.Q.
- Who will use 211?
- What are the benefits of a 211 service?
- When will it be available?
- Has it been done before?
- What is 211?
- Has any research been done in this market?
- Where can I get more information?
211 is for everyone and anyone who is seeking information about services in the Lower Mainland, such as:
- A senior citizen wanting home care support in order to live independently
- A teenager looking for job-seeking skills
- A young mother wanting advice on how to care for her newborn
- A homeless person seeking a shelter bed and a hot meal
- A recent immigrant needing language and employment training
- A family searching for child-care services in their community or close to work
- A concerned neighbour trying to help a friend in an abusive relationship
- A father trying to find services for his son with a newly diagnosed illness
- A laid-off worker wanting to find out about employment insurance
- A person with disabilities determining which community or government services are available in their community
By simply dialing 211, callers can easily and quickly connect to the services they need, anywhere in the Lower Mainland . 211 is easy to remember, reducing confusion, frustration and delay. 211 has been proven to reduce congestion on 911 lines. Furthermore, 211 helps communities better use their resources, by providing information that can be used to identify service gaps, duplication, and emerging trends. This will help policy makers to direct resources and services to where they are most needed. When will it be available?
The United Way of the Lower Mainland is partnering with Information Services Vancouver to launch 211 services for the Lower Mainland starting in April 2010. Has it been done before?
In Canada, 211 is available in five cities, including Toronto and Calgary, and serves 15% of the population. As of November 2006, 211 is serving approximately 193 million Americans - over 65% of the US population. 18 states have 100% coverage. Currently, there are no province-wide 211 services in Canada but efforts are underway in a number of provinces including Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia. What is 211?
211 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit telephone number and internet portal that provides free, confidential, multilingual information and referral to a full range of community, social, health and government services. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, information and referral specialists answer 211 calls, and link them to the services and support they need. Has any research been done in this market?
Comprehensive research on the costs and benefits of 211 services has been conducted in both the US and Canada. The studies concluded that the measurable benefits of a national 211 service outweigh the costs by a significant margin. All stakeholders, citizens, governments and service providers will realize benefits from 211. The Canadian and BC studies conducted by Deloitte confirm the strength of the 211 business case and the inherent value of the service. Where can I get more information?
Information Services Vancouver
Myrna Holman, Executive Director
(604) 875-6431
