As we move beyond the holiday season and into the heart of winter, many individuals and families across Newfoundland and Labrador are facing increased pressures. Higher living costs, seasonal employment changes, heating expenses, and food prices all contribute to added stress at this time of year. Your organization’s continued involvement in the 211 Newfoundland and Labrador network is more important than ever.

211 remains a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral service available to anyone in the province. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting nl.211.ca, people can connect with a trained Service Navigator who listens with compassion, assesses their needs, and provides referrals to appropriate community, government, and health supports.

One of the most significant challenges we are seeing this winter is food insecurity. More than 40 percent of calls to 211 Newfoundland and Labrador are related to food access, including grocery assistance, food banks, meal programs, and emergency supports. 211 plays a key role in helping people navigate these overlapping challenges by connecting them to timely, local resources.

People contact 211 for support with:

• Food access and emergency food programs
• Housing, utilities, and financial assistance
• Mental health, addictions, and emotional supports
• Services for seniors, families, caregivers, and people with disabilities
• Local, provincial, and federal programs

Being part of the 211 database helps ensure that individuals are referred accurately and efficiently to services like yours, reducing duplication and strengthening collaboration across the province. Your up-to-date information allows Service Navigators to connect people to the right help at the right time, often during moments of crisis or uncertainty.

Help us help more people this winter.

We encourage you to continue sharing information about 211 with your clients, staff, volunteers, and partners through newsletters, social media, websites, or printed materials.

Thank you for the vital work you do and for being part of a province-wide network supporting communities together!

Phone: 709.753.1628 Email: 211@nl.unitedway.ca Website: https://nl.211.ca/

Posted: 6 January 2026