United Way offers 211 service

By roger knoxMorning Star StaffJul 12 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
B.C. United Ways are teaming up with the provincial government to introduce a free non-emergency service. BC 211 is a free, multilingual service that connects British Columbians to non-emergency social, health, government and community services they need. All a person will have to do is dial a simple three-digit number – 211 – no matter where they are in the province. “This service is going to happen, we’re just giving you the heads-up to let you know it is happening,” said Linda Yule, executive director of the United Way of North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap, during presentations to Vernon and Coldstream councils. “The goal is to make it a province-wide service.” Premier Gordon Campbell, while addressing the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in September, 2005, vowed that B.C. would strive to become the first province in Canada to put in a province-wide 211 service. Yule reported that 211 serves 15 per cent of the Canadian population through centres in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and other parts of Ontario. It also serves over 55 per cent of the U.S. population, or 163 million people plus Puerto Rico. “During Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, 211 was the number people were calling when they were offering to deliver supplies or to get other information,” said Yule. The 211 service provides a cost-effective and efficient way for people to navigate the complex maze of human services agencies and programs. It also connects people seeking services or volunteer opportunities with the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.