211 Day 2026 – One Number, Real Support for Ontarians

Press Release – 211 Ontario

February 11 is 211 Day, a chance to highlight a service that helps people across Ontario navigate life’s challenges and connect to the supports they need, when they need them most.

211 Ontario is a free, confidential service jointly funded by the Province of Ontario, United Ways and other funders, and is available to 100% of Ontarians. Accessible 24/7 in more than 150 languages by phone, text, chat, and web; 211 connects residents to over 60,000 government and community programs.

Every day, 211 Ontario connects people to housing and food supports, mental health services, income assistance, newcomer supports, and thousands of other community and social services. Available 24/7, in more than 150 languages, and accessible by phone, text, chat, and web, 211 is a simple starting point in an increasingly complex system.

In 2025 alone, 211 Ontario identified more than 287,000 needs, with housing, mental health and substance use, and access to information among the most common reasons people reached out. These numbers reflect what many Ontarians are experiencing today: growing demand, rising costs, and increasing difficulty finding the right help at the right time.

“For many people, 211 is the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling supported,” said Karen Milligan, Executive Director of Ontario 211 Services. “When someone doesn’t know where to turn, 211 offers a compassionate, trusted first step, and a real person who will take the time to listen and help them navigate their options.”

Strengthening Communities Across Ontario

Behind every call, text, or chat is a trained 211 navigator. These information and referral specialists help people make sense of a complex landscape of services and connect them to supports that match their needs, location, and circumstances.

Across Canada, 211 navigators responded to nearly 500,000 interactions between January and September 2025; a clear sign of how essential this service has become. In Ontario, demand continues to grow as people face pressures related to housing affordability, mental health, and access to timely supports.

Services like 211 also support provincial priorities by helping Ontarians access help efficiently and with dignity.

“211 helps people connect to the programs and services they need, when they need them,” said Minister Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “211 is a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline that makes it easier for Ontarians to find trusted information and access supports that strengthen individuals, families, and communities across the province.”

 A Trusted Resource: Every Day, and When it Matters Most

Beyond day-to-day navigation, 211 also plays a vital role during emergencies and disasters. Whether responding to severe weather events, wildfires, or public health emergencies, 211 helps ensure people have access to timely, accurate information and available supports when it matters most.

“In moments of crisis, clear and reliable information can make all the difference,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “As an Ontario Corps partner, 211 helps protect Ontario communities before, during and after emergencies, strengthening our province’s preparedness and resilience.”

Turning Data into Insight

In addition to helping individuals, 211 provides valuable, real-time insights into emerging needs and service gaps. Year after year, data from 211 show that housing and mental health supports remain among the most pressing needs in Ontario. These insights help governments, funders, and service providers better understand where demand is growing and where investments can have the greatest impact.

“211 data tells an important story about what people are experiencing in their daily lives,” said Milligan. “It’s not just about volume; it’s about understanding unmet needs and using that information to strengthen our social infrastructure.”

United Glow: Lighting Up 211 Day

To mark 211 Day, landmarks across Canada (including right here in Ontario) are lighting up red as part of United Glow, a national show of support for the role 211 plays in communities.

If you’re visiting a participating landmark on February 11, snap a photo and share it on social media using #211Day, #UnitedGlow, and #HelpStartsHere to help spread the word.

Help is Just Three Digits Away

Life doesn’t always come with a clear roadmap. But help is always within reach. Whether someone is looking for immediate support or trying to plan their next steps, 211 offers a simple, trusted place to start. If you or someone you know needs help, dial or text 2-1-1. One number can make all the difference.

Access 211:

• Dial 2-1-1
• Text 2-1-1
• Visit https://211ontario.ca/