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

Manitoba:

When people get into debt, it can be hard for them to see a way forward out of their financial difficulties. Fortunately, there is help available. 211 Service Navigators can help people find debt counselling services, as well as assess for any financial assistance programs for which they could qualify.

A 211 Service Navigator took a call from a woman calling on behalf of her adult brother. He was in a great deal of debt. He was also struggling with applying for income assistance, and he needed financial help. She was not sure where to turn and did not know if there were any services that could help him.

First, the Service Navigator empathized with the caller and spent some time narrowing down what services the caller needed for her brother. He found a couple of options for debt counselling that could assist the caller’s brother with his debt situation. Next, they focused on assistance applying for financial benefits. The Service Navigator found a local organization that assists in providing benefit information, as well as helping with applications, for which the caller was very grateful. The caller thanked the Service Navigator for the information and referrals. She said that she felt equipped with some resources that she could present to her brother to help him alleviate his financial problems.