Leonard, United Way’s 211 Manitoba director. “For example, if a caller says they are in need of food, we can point them to a food bank, but we can also ask other questions such as whether they are out of work or need mental-health supports, and find them the necessary supports to meet long-term needs as well as their more immediate needs.” The recent boost from the province also allowed 211 Manitoba to add a live online chat function. Staff also hope to add a texting option. Walker says people who work in areas such as health care, housing and even the police also use the service, because they know it can help them quickly link people to the appropriate supports. The service has the potential to lessen the burden on the 911 emergency system, and it’s a one-stop lifeline for people who need help. Researchers have found that it takes an average of seven calls for someone to find the right community help when doing it on their own, Walker says. “So our community navigators are doing just what their name says — helping people navigate very convoluted, complex systems with many, many possibilities and service providers, to find the right response for the right time.” ■ “So anyone, anywhere in the province can go on 211 Manitoba online, or now, phone 211, and search or ask for help with mental-health issues, or substance use, or domestic violence, or help putting food on the table — you name it, you can find the organizations and government services that are available in your community.”
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