February 11 is 211 Day (2/11)

Marked annually across North America, 211 Day aims to raise awareness and highlight the importance of the 211 service in our communities.  

During the past two years, people across the country have grappled with significant affordability challenges and the increasing frequency of climate events such as floods, fires, and storms. During this time, 211 has been a crucial resource for many people.

Serving as Canada's primary source of information for government and community-based non-clinical health and social services, 211 connects British Columbians with the right information and support, guiding them along a trustworthy path to care and resources.

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number that's available 24/7. 

Our staff is fully trained and skillful at listening to the caller’s situation, providing empathetic support, assessing their needs and then offering resources that will hopefully allow them to feel self-empowered to seek the help that they need.   

 - 211 Resource Navigator  

Calls to 211 British Columbia have become more complex

In British Columbia, the top four reasons for contacts to 2-1-1 remains steady (Housing & Homelessness; Health; Income & Financial Assistance; Mental Health). However, each year, we see an increase in average call length and number of referrals to community resources made per call. This indicates the growing complexity in questions and situations people seek assistance for. (When comparing data from 2021, 2022, 2023)

United Glow

The highlight of the 211 Day is a United Glow of landmarks in red across Canada - a reminder that although we may experience hardships, anyone can turn to 211 for help. This year, we have over 50 landmarks nationwide participating, with 17 proudly located in British Columbia.

Show your support by taking a photo at a participating landmark and sharing it with the hashtags #211DayCanada and #HelpStartsHere.  

A list of BC landmarks to illuminate in Red include:

If there’s a local landmark in your community that you’d like to see illuminate next year, please email 211-info@uwbc.ca.

Additional Information:

• Media Release
• United Glow Locations, Canada-Wide