It is sometimes referred to as “the front door to help.”
Free and confidential, 211 is an information and referral service that quickly connects people to critical human, social, community and government support. The service helps them navigate the complex network of government and community programs and services quickly in order to find what they need.
Staffed by knowledgeable service navigators, phones at 211 are answered 24/7, 365 days a year. Service is provided in 170 languages through interpretation services.
Sometimes, 211 service navigators are called upon to help in a crisis. But they also help in so many other ways. And sometimes they can help people save money – which is especially gratifying when the callers are on low or fixed incomes.
Like a call that came in from a woman in Saint John looking for ways to save money on her energy bills.
The 211 navigator attentively listened to the woman and probed for more details. She found out that the caller was specifically looking for financial assistance to help her insulate her house.
The service navigator searched in her database for energy savings programs. She asked the caller for more information regarding her eligibility for certain assistance programs.
The navigator was able to find a resource that helps New Brunswickers save money on energy bills by helping with insulating homes. She gave the caller detailed information on how to contact and apply for the program.
The caller took down the information and said that she would contact the program as soon as she was off the phone with 211. The navigator thanked her for her call and encouraged her to call 211 if she had any questions about community services in the future.
Life can be hard, but finding help doesn’t have to be. Anyone looking to access 211 services can reach them by emailing 211nb@findhelp.ca or by dialing: