211 Ontario is a free, confidential, and province‑wide helpline in Ontario that connects you, by phone, text, chat, or email, to critical social, community, and health services tailored to your needs.
Think of it as a one‑stop navigator to resources such as food assistance, housing support, mental health programs, senior services, newcomer help, legal aid, and more.
Who Answers the Call?
Highly trained Community Navigators. real people, not bots, work behind the scenes. Available 24/7 by phone, they speak over 150 languages and offer live chat/text support Monday to Friday, 7 AM–9 PM ET. They go beyond a basic directory search, they ask questions, personalize referrals, and even offer warm transfers or advocacy when requested
How It Works
- Reach out via call, text, live chat, email, or online search.
- Share your situation with a navigator, about housing, food, finances, mental health, senior and caregiver support, etc.
- Receive personalized referrals, with location-sensitive listings, basic info, and next‑step guidance.
- Optional supports:
- Warm transfers to service providers.
- Direct registration for programs.
- Advocacy referrals if asked.
Prefer online exploration?
Visit 211Ontario.ca, enter your location, and explore by keywords or topic categories like “Housing,” “Mental Health,” “LGBTQ+,” “Employment,” etc. The site features an interactive map, filtering tools, and “clipboard” to save useful listings.
Why It Matters
- Handles non-emergency needs so 9‑1‑1 stays focused on critical, life-or-death situations
- Region-wide coverage: Answered by specialists in six regions, Central, East, North, Southwest, and more, coordinated by Ontario 211 Services out of Toronto
- Supports government & community planning: Aggregated anonymized data informs policy, resource gaps, and public service improvements
Impact in Ontario
- In 2021 alone, 211 Ontario answered over 300,000 calls, with a strong focus on housing, food, utility assistance, and help for seniors and caregivers
- A Community Panel launched in April 2024, bringing lived‑experience voices to shape service planning and effectiveness
- They support emergencies by collaborating with municipalities and service agencies, ensuring vulnerable groups stay informed during crises
When to Use 211 Ontario
- You need help with non-emergency issues, like finding food banks, legal aid, mental health support, or housing help.
- You want to explore programs by yourself using their user-friendly website.
- You’re a community agency looking to update listings or connect with government initiatives.
- You want to advise or partner: By joining the Community Panel, contributing feedback, or helping to maintain accurate service data.
Contact Methods
Call: Simply dial 2‑1‑1 (available 24/7).
Text: 2‑1‑1 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–9 PM ET).
Live chat: Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–9 PM ET via the website.
Email or chat: Through 211Ontario.ca
Ready to Connect?
Visit 211Ontario.ca to search resources, learn more about topics, access chat, or dial 2‑1‑1 now. Because sometimes, help is just one call away.
Brock University Support Staff 