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A Glowing Thank You to Our Alberta Partners
On February 11, communities across the country came together to celebrate National 211 Day. This day raises awareness for 211, a vital service that connects people to the government, health, and social resources they need. At the heart of this service is a national database of community programs, helping individuals navigate available support. Here in...
Read MoreThe People Powering 211 Alberta: Changing Lives One Call at a Time
When life gets real—when you are facing an eviction, struggling with mental health, or simply don’t know where to turn—knowing who to call can make all the difference. For many Albertans, that first step is dialing 2-1-1. But 211 Alberta is more than just a number or a directory. It’s a vital connection powered by...
Read MoreFebruary 11 is 211 Day
Every year on February 11, Canadians come together to recognize 211 Day—a national day dedicated to raising awareness about 211’s role in supporting communities across the country. What is 211? 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people across Canada to essential community and government resources. With just a call, text, or online chat,...
Read MoreEssential Tips to Stay Warm This Winter
As winter settles in across Alberta, it’s important to prepare for the harsh cold and unpredictable weather. Whether you’re heading outdoors for work, play, or simply braving the chill, staying warm is essential for your health and safety. At 211 Alberta, we’re here to help you navigate through the winter season with helpful tips and...
Read MoreSummer Comfort Guide
Alberta is no stranger to extreme weather, and when hot temperatures hit, staying cool becomes essential for our health and well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you and your loved ones stay comfortable and safe during those hot days. Shield Your Home from the Heat One of the simplest ways to keep your...
Read MoreUnlock Your Best Rest: Tips for a Better Sleep
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with getting good quality sleep. Sleep quality, which refers to the ease of falling asleep and staying asleep, plays an important role in our overall well-being. In a 2020 Canadian Community Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada, it...
Read MoreEssential Tips for Smarter Grocery Trips
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of grocery shopping? We’ve got you covered. In our latest blog post, we’re offering 8 practical tips and strategies to help you conquer the aisles and stretch your dollars further. 🍽️ Meal Planning Take some time to plan out your meals for the week and create a shopping...
Read MoreTips for Renters
Before renting, ask your landlord: Is this a Crime-Free Multi Housing building? Who is responsible for maintenance? How do I request maintenance to my unit? Who do I call in case of emergency? How long does it take for a maintenance request to be taken care of? RENTERS’ INSURANCE The cost of renter’s insurance is...
Read MoreAll About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are found all over the world. These reddish-brown insects are oval, flat, and don’t have wings. They prefer to feed off human blood. They hide during the day, coming out mainly at night They like to hide near a food Source so that they Can eat in the early morning hours. When unfed,...
Read MoreStretching your Clothing & Household Budget
To stretch your budget for buying clothing and household goods, here are some tips: Before you go shopping: Compare prices and see if a similar item is on sale elsewhere. Before buying at full price, see if the item you want can be borrowed, bought from a friend, or bought used. Check out garage sales...
Read MoreUber Rides for Vaccination Transportation
211 Alberta teams up with ride-hailing service to get Albertans to vaccination appointments 211 Alberta, an initiative of United Way, has partnered with Uber Canada to help people who do not have transportation get to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments A total of 10,000 rides (5,000 round trips) are available in Edmonton and Calgary. City...
Read MoreMinister’s Seniors Service Awards Now Open
The Minister’s Seniors Service Awards are now open for nominations. The annual province-wide honours recognize individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations who support seniors. Until June 30, 2021, you can submit your suggestions for a person or organization making a difference in Albertan seniors’ lives through their: volunteerism philanthropy innovation outstanding service 5 Nomination Categories...
Read MoreDo you know when to call 211, 311, or 411?
211 is one of a variety of X-1-1 numbers Albertans can connect with Residents can find help when they need it by using these important numbers: 211 For information on community and government agencies/services Our free, confidential, multilingual, 24 hours information and referral system connects Albertans to thousands of community and social services available...
Read MoreBe Aware of COVID-19 Vaccine Phone Scam
With the coronavirus vaccine roll-out underway in Alberta, so are phone scams. Fraudsters are trying to take advantage of Albertans, especially seniors, who are eager to receive immunization. The fraudulent callers claim they can get someone a vaccination—for a fee. These claims are false. Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hinshaw tweeted a warning about the...
Read MoreAlbertans are contacting 211 more than ever
211 Day is February 11, 2021! It’s a chance to reflect on how 211 Alberta, an initiative of United Way, continues to help Albertans find the right resource for whatever issue they need support with, at the right time. During the past year, 211 Alberta received: More than 120,000 website visits 6600+ text inquiries Close...
Read MoreHelp with Money Management
Financial concerns are consistently a top issue we hear about at 211 When someone contacts 211 who is dealing with stress related to finances, we are most likely to refer them to government resources, including: Alberta Works Alberta Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Government of Canada Pension Plan Old Age Security Pension These types...
Read More211 Alberta website now more user-friendly
The Alberta-based online resource recently received a refresh to make it easier for Albertans to find resources to meet their needs. Albertans who visit ab.211.ca can find out about programs for a variety of needs , including: mental health supports basic needs like food, shelter and housing financial services resources for seniors plus so much...
Read MoreInclusive Language and Mental Health
*Content warning: This post mentions suicide The language we use around mental health and mental illnesses can hold stigma and minimize the experiences of others. Every one of us has mental health. Our mental health can fluctuate and be good or not so good at times depending on several factors, including diagnosable mental illnesses. For example: people living...
Read MoreTips for Finding Rentals
Guest Post by: Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region Finding a rental can be a time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming task. The Advocacy and Wayfinding team at CMHA-ER has some steps you can take during your search to make the process less stressful. Calculating Costs It’s recommended that housing costs shouldn’t be higher than 30% of...
Read MoreHow to Make Your Home a Calming and Comfortable Space
During COVID-19 many of us are spending more time at home than ever before and our environment can have a big impact on our mental health. Our home should be a calming space where we can come to relax when we are stressed or tired. Our personal space should be supportive of our self-care practices...
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