If you haven't heard of 211, you should read this

You've heard of 311. You've heard of 411. You might even have heard of 511 (for provincial highway conditions). But have you heard of 211?

Chances are you haven't, and that's why United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts, Greater Sudbury Police and MPP Glenn Thibeault shared a podium yesterday to tell you about it.

It's easier than ever before for citizens of Greater Sudbury and the surrounding region to connect with 60,000 community and social services across Ontario, says the United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts.

The United Way celebrated 211 Day on Thursday by highlighting the 24-hour number that connects callers with health services, housing centres, immigrant services, government social assistance and a host of other services in more than 150 languages.

The 211 service launched in Sudbury on Dec. 15, 2011, but has improved substantially since then, said Michael Cullen, executive director of United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts.

“For the last couple of years, we've been meeting with groups that provide the data,” Cullen said. “It's going to get better with every conversation.”

By sharing data between a large number of groups that provide variety of social and health-related services, Cullen said the 211 service can improve, and even pick up where the city's own 311 service leaves off.

Because the 211 services runs 24/7, 365 days a week, it can direct people to services when 311 is not running.

The service also helps divert non-emergency calls away from 911.

Greater Sudbury Police Chief Paul Pedersen said the city's 911 operators receive all kinds of calls that are not for emergencies, and tie up the lines and resources.

He said people have called 911 to find out more information about public events, get more details about road closures, and even to get the store hours for the LCBO and the Beer Store.

The province invested $13 million from 2008 to 2012 to launch the 211 service across Ontario.

It continues to support the service, through the Ontario Poverty Reduction Fund, with a yearly investment of $4 million.

“It's just a great service all around,” said Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault.

For more information about the 211 service visit 211Ontario.ca.