Information and Referral / 211

Information Provision

This service involves providing accurate and pertinent information to an enquirer in response to a direct request in English or French. Information can range from a limited response (such as an organization’s name, telephone number and address) to detailed data about community service systems (such as explaining how a group intake system works for a particular agency), agency policies, and procedures for application. (211 service delivery)

Referral Provision

This involves providing information and a referral(s), in English or French, in which the enquirer has one-to-one human contact with an I & R Specialist. The referral process consists of assessing needs, identifying appropriate resources, assessing appropriate response modes, indicating organizations capable of meeting those needs, providing enough information about each organization to help enquirers make an informed choice, helping enquirers for whom services are unavailable by locating alternative resources, and, when necessary, actively participating in linking the enquirer to needed services which may include advocacy and/or follow-up. (211 service delivery)

211 by phone!

211 is here to help!

Dial 211 for your local information and referrals on community, social, government and health services. The Community Information Centre of Ottawa is the service provider for 211 Eastern Ontario.

211 is a three-digit phone number that provides free, confidential and multilingual information and referrals to clients looking for community and social services in Ontario.

When you dial the 211 hotline, you are connected with a Certified Information and Referral Specialist who has been trained to assess your needs, answer your questions accurately, and advise you about the services and programs that are best for you and your loved ones.

211 Ontario Website:

You can visit 211Ontario.ca for more information about 211 and/or on organizations available within your community.

What is 211ontario.ca?

211Ontario.ca is your connection to information about community and social services in the province of Ontario. It is your first stop for information about child care, language classes, job searches, housing, emergency shelters, services for persons with disabilities, home support, legal assistance, financial assistance, and much more.

Most of the services listed on 211Ontario.ca are provided by non-profit, community-based or government organizations that provide a direct service to the public. However, you will find some private or commercial organizations that do not duplicate the work of non-profit, community and government organizations. Inclusion on 211Ontario.ca is free.

Click 211Ontario.ca to visit 211 Ontario

Email Requests:

Clients can submit an Information and Referral request by sending an email to our general email address at the following: [email protected].

All requests will be reviewed by an Information and Referral Specialist and an email response will be sent to the client. It may take a few emails for staff member to assess the client’s situation adequately; however all email requests will be handled accordingly. If the client wishes, they can send us their contact information and our I&R Specialist can call them at a convenient time.

To send an email click here.

Live Chat Requests

Live chat (aka Live Help) is a way for clients to be in touch with our Information and Referral Specialists . It is an instant messaging application offered in both English and French. It is designed specifically to provide online assistance to clients who wish to request information and referrals anonymously.

To start a Live Chat session please consult this page:

https://211ontario.ca/chat/