The province is providing $510,000 in new funding in 2022-23 to United Way Winnipeg for the continuation of a 24-hour service that protects Manitobans by connecting them to government, health and social services.
“The Manitoba government is proud to continue its partnership with United Way Winnipeg in support of 211 Manitoba, which provides low-barrier, personalized assistance and enables easy access to information,” said Families Minister Rochelle Squires. “The 211 system is an important tool to help Manitobans access critical government and community-based health and social services in their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
The 211 phone line access was launched in Manitoba in October 2020 and 211 service is now available Canada wide. This co-ordinated national network allows individuals to look for local resources in communities across Canada and enables them to assist family members, friends and clients in other provinces.
“It takes courage to reach out for help,” said Connie Walker, president and CEO, United Way Winnipeg. “211 Manitoba call takers are specially trained to help individuals find the resources they or their loved ones need. 211 Manitoba is all about finding the right support at the right time. We are so grateful to United Way donors and the Government of Manitoba for supporting 211 service in our province.”
The funding will help United Way Winnipeg continue to provide online, chat and phone services in more than 150 languages, outreach to service providers and marketing to create wider awareness of the service.
The minister noted 211 Manitoba is also a useful tool for front-line professionals seeking additional supports and resources for their clients and that it takes pressure off the system by directing appropriate resources to non-urgent situations and reducing the call burden on 911, 311 and Health Links-Info Santé.
Manitobans can dial 211 from anywhere in the province to connect with a community navigator who will help them find appropriate resources nearby. Individuals can also search the 211 website at mb.211.ca.
