Stronger Communities: BC211

Building Stronger Communities

United Way of the Lower Mainland understands that social change cannot be achieved without strengthening the fabric of your community.

Our Building Stronger Communities foundational strategy does just that by removing barriers for vulnerable populations and by supporting poverty reduction, information and referral services, and crisis and volunteers centres. For example, United Way of the Lower Mainland and Information Services Vancouver have created a partnership to establish B.C.’s first 211 service.

About BC211

BC211 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit telephone number (211) that provides free, confidential, multilingual information and referral to a full range of community, social, and government services. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, Information and Referral Specialists link callers to the services and support they need.

While there are excellent community programs available, many people have a tough time finding the services they need. Service providers also face challenges trying to locate appropriate community services for their clients. BC211 and United Way are very pleased to announce that Lower Mainland residents are now able to access 211 services that:

• Provide an easy, visible, and non-judgmental entry point for people looking for help, 24/7, 365 days of the year.
• Increase efficiency by helping callers to define their needs and by pointing them to the most appropriate places to find help.
• Relieve some of the burden on service providers by reducing the number of calls from people who are seeking services they do not provide.
• Help service providers connect their clients to additional services available from other organizations.
• Provide new information about needs and gaps in services that can help social planners, policy-makers, and funders make better decisions.

Thanks to ongoing funding from United Way of the Lower Mainland, BC211 provides 211 services for communities in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Squamish-Lillooet Regional Districts.

Click here for more BC211 Facts.

Visit the BC211 website.

United Way of the Lower Mainland’s Building Stronger Communities strategy also integrates financial support for people living in poverty and funding for social sector capacity building and broad-based strategic partnerships across our three priority areas: Success by 6,  6-12 and Seniors.

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