211: a free phone line for food and other help

211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects you to food programs, housing help, income support and other community services. A real person answers.

• Call 2-1-1, or toll-free 1-877-330-3213 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Text 2-1-1 — 24 hours a day.
• Live chat on 211ontario.ca — Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Email gethelp@211ontario.ca.
• Service in English and French, and in more than 150 languages by phone.

When to call 211 instead of searching

• You do not know which food bank serves your address, or you have no fixed address.
• It is evening or a weekend and you need food today.
• You need help in a language other than English or French.
• You need more than food — rent, utilities, income support or a place to stay.