The United Way is looking to roll out a program in the north west. Executive Director Brenda Yamkowy says conversations about the 211 program in Grande Prairie have been alive since about 2011. It has people in need of social and community services connected through dialing 211.
“It has been in effect in Alberta. In different parts of Alberta, but not in the north west region. There is a few down in the Edson and Hinton areas.”
To get it started within the county, city and MD of Greenview, it would cost around $105,000 start up. To maintain the program, it would be about $75,000 a year.
Yamkowy says this phone number way of connection is still relevant and points to its use during the Fort McMurray wildfire last May.
“The United Way gave information to 211 and other organizations gave theirs. People needed to know where they should go and what they needed to do were able to access that through 211.”
Yamkowy says they are working on getting different groups on board in hopes to bring the service to the Grande Prairie region.