Each week we will post a summary of interesting and representative 211 calls. This week, we have a connection from Manitoba.

Manitoba:

When a concerned member of the public sees someone who needs help, but the person is not in an emergency situation that needs 911, 211 is a great place to call. 211 Service Navigators can assess what services the individual needs and can connect them with those essential supports.

A man called 211 and stated that he had bought a meal for a person experiencing homelessness. He was worried that this individual might be sleeping outside, and he thought that they needed some help. The Service Navigator asked him if the person was with him, and he said that they were. The Service Navigator then asked a few questions to determine if the individual was willing to accept any sort of community help.

The individual was receptive to help and he stated that he was accessing the shelters at night and wandering outside during the day. The individual did have a place to stay, but wanted to find somewhere to be during the day. The Service Navigator looked up a few organizations with day programs and informed the individual of them. He let him know that they were open for drop ins during the day. Since the individual did not have regular access to a phone, the Service Navigator made sure that he gave directions to the drop ins and the hours of operation.

The Service Navigator also found an outreach van that served that area that he could access if he needed to do so, and let him know how to get in touch or meet up with the van. He let the individual know that he could also contact 211 any time that he needed more services.