February 11th is 211 Day! On 02/11 each year, we raise awareness about this valuable service.
In recent years, 211 has been an invaluable resource, aiding Albertans facing affordability challenges, the global COVID-19 pandemic, and climate emergencies like floods, fires, and storms. 🌍
As an important resource for navigating community and social services in 170+ languages, 211 Alberta serves as a dependable support network, offering assistance to Albertans facing everyday challenges.
During the past year, 211 Alberta received:
- 3300+ text inquiries
- Close to 4400 live chats
- Nearly 79,000 calls
- More than 280,000 visits to ab.211.ca
Notably, in 2023, housing/shelter needs expressed during 211 contacts saw a 59% increase compared to 2021.
Similarly mental health and substance use related needs were 44% higher compared to two years prior.
The top 5 topics most asked about across text, live chat and 211 phone lines were:
1. Housing/Shelter
Programs that seek to meet the basic shelter needs of the community by providing temporary shelter for people who are in emergency situations, home improvement programs, housing location assistance and a variety of housing alternatives.
2. Mental Health Assessment and Treatment
Programs that provide diagnostic and treatment services for individuals whose psychiatric problems or other emotional difficulties are not severe enough to require 24-hour care but who can benefit from regular consultation and therapy with a mental health professional.
3. Temporary Financial Assistance
Programs that provide assistance for people who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis and have insufficient resources to obtain essential services or to meet expenses in situations where financial assistance related to their specific circumstance is unavailable. Monetary assistance may be in the form of immediate cash, loans, cheques or vouchers.
4. Individual and Family Support Services
Programs that provide a wide variety of social services designed to support the healthy development of families, improve family interaction skills and help fragile families to resolve their problems at a pre-crisis stage before they become unmanageable.
5. Legal Services
Programs that provide information about legal problems and procedures.
In a display of unity, landmarks across the province will illuminate in red on February 11th. The City of Edmonton’s High Level Bridge and Calgary Tower will be aglow in the signature 211 red.
On 211 Day, Albertans are encouraged to show support and raise awareness about 211 on social media with hashtags #HelpStartsHere and #211DayCanada.
Together, let’s spread the word that even in tough times, 211 is here for everyone. 💙
Follow @211Alberta on X and Facebook and @ab.211.ca on Instagram
