Following a two day meeting in early September on the BC 211 Initiative, the 17 United Ways in BC have tentatively agreed to provide multi-year, joint funding for a province wide 211 Service.

The United Way movement in BC is dedicated to providing leadership to the 211 effort.  To this end, the board chairs and executive directors from the 17 United Ways in BC were invited to a two day workshop to receive an update on the BC 211 Initiative and to discuss opportunities for collaboratively advancing the BC 211 Initiative.  Eva Kmiecic, Senior Vice President, United Way Canada, provided an update on the national 211 initiative. 

United Ways in BC have made substantial investments to ensure that people in BC have the social and community services they need.  However, finding the right service or program when it is needed can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience.  Many people don’t know where to begin looking. 211 is an easy to remember three-digit telephone number that enables anyone to find appropriate services.  As the access point for such services, and the single most effective way to provide the public with  information and referral, 211 is critical to maximizing the impact of investments in community, social, health and government services.