Tuesday, May 13, 2014
United Way of Perth-Huron
211 Call Volume Continues To Grow – Residents are Utilizing the Service More and More
Launched in Perth and Huron County four years ago next month, 211 continues to be a valuable resource for those needing community and social service information in our local communities.
What is 211?
211 is the information and referral service that provides reliable information on community and social services. When you dial the 211 hotline, you are connected with a Certified Information and Referral Specialist who has been trained to assess your needs, answer your questions accurately, and advise you about the services and programs that are best for you, your family, and friends.
Locally, 211 is supported by United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) and administered by PF Solutions/Training-4-Success, a project of UWPH located in the Conestoga College Stratford Campus. United Way’s commitment to the 211 service is to ensure that local data meets 211 standards and remains accurate and current, meaning callers receive the most up-to-date information possible and can confidently access the assistance they need.
More people are using 211
“Calls to 211 from Perth and Huron Counties have increased by 22% over the last year. This increase in call volume demonstrates that 211 is a vital community service” says Ryan Erb, UWPH Executive Director, “we are hoping that the more the community is aware of it, the more they will use it”.
Top 3 reasons people called 211 in our region:
1. Housing (utilities assistance)
2. Income & Financial Assistance
3. Health
Those who have used the 211 service gave it an overall ranking of 9.6 out of 10 for service helpfulness. Of those who were followed up with, 82% of callers received assistance with the need they were calling about. 100% of people surveyed said they would call again. Users commented that some of the top features of calling 211 were that they were given referrals to local services and that the information was accurate.
More information about 211:
- 211 is also available on-line at www.211ontario.ca
- Calls to 211 are anonymous and confidential.
- 211 is available 24/7
- 211 is available in many languages
- 211 is on Social Media: Twitter: @211ontario and Facebook: facebook.com/211Ontario/info
What kind information is available?
With information from more than 56,000 services and agencies across the province of Ontario, assistance can be provided on a wide range of topics. These include, but are not limited to:
- abuse (including sexual assault)
- child and family services
- consumer protection and complaints
- emergency and crisis services
- employment, education and training
- financial assistance
- food and clothing
- general community services
- health
- homelessness
- housing
- legal issues
- multicultural associations
- seniors
- settlement and newcomer services
- youth services
Ryan Erb, Executive Director for United Way Perth-Huron says “211 is an important resource for our community; one place to find the information and helpful referral for many of life's challenges. UWPH is proud to have brought the service to our region and proud to continue supporting it.”
Media Contact:
Ryan Erb
UWPH Executive Director
519-271-7730
info@perthhuron.unitedway.ca
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