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

Newfoundland and Labrador:

There are few situations that are more frightening than not having a place to live. Youth who are facing this situation do not have to figure out options alone. There is help available 24 hours from 211 Service Navigators. They will assess the situation and find a safe place for youth in tough situations.

A distraught youth called 211. She told the Service Navigator that she was in her late teens, and that she had a physical disability, so that she could not work. The caller felt that she was about to become homeless. She was living with her parents at the time of her call to 211, but they had told her that they were unable to keep helping her because of their finances. She was very scared.

The Service Navigator reassured the youth that there were services that could help. The Service Navigator probed to see what the caller had already tried. The youth had contacted Social Assistance, but did not yet have any money coming in and would need a place to live. The Service Navigator suggested that right after she ended the call to 211, the caller should follow up with Social Assistance and find out what was happening with her application – she would need income support as soon as possible.

The Service Navigator provided the youth with information on the housing and rental supplement as well as the services of NL Housing. She also provided a referral for services for persons with disabilities.

The Service Navigator checked to make sure that the caller understood all of the referrals and that she was comfortable contacting them. The Service Navigator offered to follow up with the caller in the next week to see how the referrals were working out and if the caller needed more help. The caller agreed. The Service Navigator also made sure that the caller knew that 211 is open 24 hours, and in the event that the caller lost her housing, 211 staff could help her look for a safe place to go temporarily.