What is 211?

211 is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource or service for whatever issue they need help with, at the right time. 211 is available 24/7 by phone, text and chat. The service is free, confidential and available in over 170 languages over the phone.

On a national level, 211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthens Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians to become more engaged with their communities.

 

211 Alberta’s Vision

The vision for 211 Alberta is to have a comprehensive Information and Referral system that is accessible to all Albertans.

What this means for individuals – or their family members, neighbours, friends & colleagues — who are looking for help, is that 211 is a number they know and trust to provide effective, timely and appropriate information and referrals to community resources.

For community and government agencies, 211 facilitates the effectiveness of front line delivery of community services, links current and available supports to front line service providers, and facilitates direct interface with clients.

For emergency responders and emergency managers, 211 provides an essential communication and organizational channel for government during emergencies and is an effective crisis mitigation resource. 211 mobilizes and links available resources to emergency preparedness and recovery plans.

Finally, for government planners and other decision-makers, 211 data collected from online searches and calls on community and government resources is available in real time to facilitate community and regional social planning that is responsive to local needs in a timely manner to make effective use of available resources.