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

Manitoba:

Helping someone does not mean having all of the answers. When people really want to assist someone who is struggling, but do not know the best way to guide them, 211 is a good place to start.

A 211 Service Navigator took a call from a woman who stated that she was helping an individual experiencing homelessness. She told the Service Navigator that the individual was looking for help and did not know where to turn. When the Service Navigator probed for more information about the individual’s needs, she told him that the individual was looking for housing, financial assistance, and help finding work.

After speaking with both the individual in question, and with the friend helping him, the Service Navigator was able to refer them to three different organizations. These agencies could help him with housing, income, and finding work.

The individual stated that he might need some mental health help, but that finding a safe place to stay was more important for now. The Service Navigator encouraged him to give 211 a call back any time and that 211 could help him find counseling, mental health services, and other community services that he might need. The individual thanked the Service Navigator for the guidance and said he would call back if the resources did not work out or if he needed more help.