Manitoba funds 211 service to enhance access to essential services

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The Manitoba government is allocating $510,000 to United Way Winnipeg for 211 Manitoba service, a 24-hour resource that aids residents in connecting with social, health, and government services throughout the province.

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211 Manitoba operates as a helpline and a comprehensive online database that links Manitobans to a wide array of community, social, health, and government resources. As part of a coordinated national network, the service offers free, confidential support around the clock, ensuring that help is available whenever it is needed.

The funding enables United Way Winnipeg to continue providing online, chat, and phone services in more than 200 languages. It will also support the expansion of collaborative partnerships with service providers and increase awareness of 211 Manitoba. Since the introduction of the phone line, more than 52,000 Manitobans have used it.

“We are so grateful for our relationship with the Manitoba government. Without this support, we would not be able to continue to be a vital resource for thousands of Manitobans every year,” said Tammy Reimer, director of 211 Manitoba. “With an increasing number of callers expressing more complex needs, it’s critically important 211 remains a first step to help for anyone who needs it, including parents seeking mental health resources for their kids, isolated seniors connecting with social activities, and Winnipeggers finding housing supports. When we make it possible for people to easily reach out, find resources, and begin on a path to healing, our whole community gets stronger as a result.”

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211 Manitoba is a valuable asset not only for individuals but also for frontline professionals seeking additional support and resources for their clients. The service helps connect Manitobans with the appropriate resources and reduces the burden on emergency services by directing non-urgent situations to the proper channels, such as 311 and Health Links-Info Santé.

The funding underscores the importance of maintaining and expanding services like 211 Manitoba, which plays a vital role in the community. By facilitating easier access to necessary resources and support systems, the service contributes to the overall well-being of Manitobans, ensuring that help is just a call or click away.

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