Information on how to access community and government services is now just a three digit phone number away for Bruce County residents.
The information service was officially launched before County Council yesterday.
The confidential number allows people to access contact information for social, health, and other government services.
Those services could include child care, counselling, or finding food banks and places of worship in the nearby community.
The call centre for 211 in Bruce County will be operated by Community Connection, based in Collingwood.
Community Connection is a charitable organization that serves an area from Bruce County in the west to as far north as Muskoka, and as far east as Cobourg.
Executive Director Pamela Hillier says 211 is a public utility delivered by eight organizations across Ontario and funding from Ministry of Community and Social Services will ensure that the service eventually reaches all regions of the province.
Currently 211 service is available to 50 percent of Ontario residents, and 31 percent of Canadians spread across three provinces.
Hillier says it’s often frustrating for people needing assistance because there are too many sources of information out there, including websites and phone books that are often out of date or not conveniently organized.
As an example, she says food banks are often not listed alphabetically under “F.”
211 service in Bruce County was instigated by the United Way.
Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says providing easier access to community services is a major part of their local poverty reduction strategy.
