211 Ontario

How do I know if I should be calling 211 or another number?

2-1-1 connects individuals to non-emergency community programs and social services in their areas.
9-1-1 responds to life- or property-threatening emergencies.
3-1-1 connects you to non-emergency municipal services, programs and information. Note: this is not available in all communities.
8-1-1 connects you to healthcare workers who can provide health advice and information.

Putting the “Human” Back in Human Services

Unlike search engines, 211 applies a human touch for personalized solutions. Our highly-trained and accredited Community Navigators know how to ask the right questions to get the full picture of a person’s needs. Navigators then provide referrals to services to connect them to the right supports. In addition, some partnerships include 211 registering individuals for services directly or providing a warm transfer to the program. 211 will also advocate on a contact’s behalf, at their request.

Visit the 211 page for seniors in Toronto

Why Virtual Activities?

Virtual activities can be done in small groups that practice social distancing, in 1:1 interventions, or even independently. For most activities, you just need some type of smart device (tablet, phone, television) that has internet access.

Virtual Trips

Taking virtual tours is a great way to continue your armchair travel groups, but without having residents congregated together. You can use these links to host “trips” through your in-house television system or via devices you pass out to individual residents.

Take an interactive tour of 4 of America’s National Parks
Stroll the Great Wall of China
Check out pandas via the “panda cam” at the Atlanta Zoo
Choose any of Monterey Bay Aquarium’s live cams, including the sea otter cam (so cute!)
Go to the Galapagos via this YouTube video
Visit the world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave in Vietnam with this interactive tour (don’t forget to turn up the sound)
Tour the Vatican
Listen to oral histories at the National Women’s History Museum
Ride It’s a Small World at Disney
Visit Sea World and ride the Mako roller coaster
Explore virtual camping sites via KOA