United Way Maritimes 2024-25

211 PEI

A collage of faces of different people who could be served by 211

The past year marked a period of meaningful growth for 211 PEI. Our primary focus has been to integrate 211 more deeply into the social support fabric of Prince Edward Island through strategic outreach, education, promotion, and the successful celebration of 211 Day.

This was the first year without a major disaster event, providing an opportunity to establish a service baseline.

In contrast to the previous years shaped by COVID-19 and Hurricane Fiona, 2024 allowed 211 to more accurately assess the needs of help seekers and analyze service usage.

211 PEI has also been actively engaged at the national level, collaborating with partners across Canada to strengthen 211 services nationwide. We are in the final stages of testing a new, enhanced website.

Highlights include:

  • The 211 PEI Educator provided presentations to Patient Medical Home staff, and conducted outreach across the province, including French presentations.
  • The on-Island Community Resource Navigator delivered in-person support at presentations and events.
  • Staff served on several national 211 committees, including the Canadian Leadership Team, Data Standards Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee, 211 Day Planning Committee, and Branding Committee.
  • New promotional materials were developed, including French-language versions. The upcoming website will feature Google Translate functionality to support users in multiple languages.
  • Several buildings across PEI were lit red on February 11th in celebration of 211 Day.
  • A partnership with Meals on Wheels enabled 211 PEI to manage phone registration for their Rural Routes and regular meal delivery programs.
  • 261 new community resource records were added to the database.
  • 3461

    Referrals made

  • 5:42

    Average call time

  • 19

    Distress and crisis calls

  • 25.9%

    Of referrals were to Government of PEI

  • 29.91%

    Of calls were related to cost of living

  • 217

    Calls categorized as unmet needs

  • 1600

    People reached through in-person outreach

  • 30,000

    Promotional materials distributed

  • 95%

    Satisfaction with navigator knowledge

The top three needs identified by callers were mental health counselling, financial assistance and food. Other needs identified by callers and website users included shelter and affordable housing, medical information services, home heating support, police services and more.

“The navigator was kind, patient, and understanding. She went above and beyond. I really needed to talk to someone and she was so helpful.”

– 211 caller