About 211

211 is a free, confidential information and helpline service for anyone looking for community and social supports close to home. 

211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. From helping people meet basic needs like food and shelter, to supports for seniors, caregivers, and children, to registering for income supports, to crisis response – 211 is there.

Through the largest pan-Canadian database of community services and government programs, 211 plays a critical role in helping people navigate available supports. It also offers innovative solutions to community challenges and partners with governments to improve access to supports. 211 data provides valuable information to governments and service providers about changing needs and service gaps.

In most of the country, 211 navigators answer calls and online inquiries 24/7 with interpretation available in more than 150 languages 365 days a year. They are trained to listen closely and with empathy to best understand the callers’ issues and provide the greatest possible assistance and direction to services and supports that will be most useful.

211 is a valuable resource for everyone and connects people to the right information and services including community programs, social services, government supports, and more. Amidst the recent climate emergencies, inflation and economic pressures, and an inequitable pandemic recovery, 211 has been a crucial tool to assist communities who continue to experience increasingly complex challenges across Canada.