Stories and Testimonials

Testimonials: 

What 211 callers have to say about the service: 

“She was kind and knowledgeable and showed extreme empathy. We even shared a laugh.” -211 caller 

“The Navigator was amazing. She was so helpful - you all are! I don’t know what I would do without 211.” -211 caller 

“She had a heart of gold, she helped me see the positive when I was living under a cloud of darkness and fear. She really took her time to make sure I understood all of the steps that would take place when I asked for help, that was something I wasn't expecting.” -211 caller 

What PEI service providers have to say about 211: 

“Thank you for the great work you do for our community! My team and I rely on your resources often and refer people almost daily. Keep up the great work!” –PEI non-profit service provider 

“Michelle was a joy to talk to, and she was extremely helpful. As a service provider knowing there is a resource like 211 out there just a call away makes my job easier everyday.” –PEI service provider 

“I can see how 211 can become a part of my regular tools when managing patient care.” –PEI health care provider 

“I make so many calls looking for someone to help out my client, now my first call will be to 211.” –PEI service provider 

211 PEI Community Navigators are hired because they are empathetic and will work hard to find the right support to fit a caller’s unique needs. Our Community Navigators love to help: 

“As a Community Navigator, my job is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to make an impact on individuals' lives during their most vulnerable moments. People who reach out are often in crisis, seeking someone to listen and offer guidance. Being able to offer that support, whether it's through crisis intervention, emotional reassurance, or practical resources, brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Each call presents a new opportunity to help someone regain hope, find their strength, and navigate their challenges." -211 PEI Community Navigator 

“The most rewarding part of my job is when I hang up the phone, and I know I have made a difference in the person’s life on one of their hardest days. Reaching out for help can be very difficult.” -211 PEI Community Navigator 

Stories: 

211 Helps Caller to Find Programs to Make Their Home Safe 

A caller reached out to 211 PEI as they weren’t sure where to turn. They were living in an unsafe housing situation as their house contained mold and they were unable to afford to fix the issue. Through conversation with a 211 PEI Community Navigator, the caller was connected to programs to help offset the cost of renovations and heating cost programs. A 15 minute chat gave the caller solutions, hope, and the ability to start the process to a safer and more comfortable house.  

Veteran Needing Support 

A veteran on disability reached out. His wife needed surgery and he needed help for her and their household. 211 PEI was able to find programs that would provide the help to get them through his wife’s recovery period.  

Caller Found Support for their Brother 

A caller reached out as their brother was in need of food. Through compassionate inquiry, the 211 PEI Community Navigator discovered that the brother had multiple needs. What was intended to be a short, quick call to 211 turned into a 45 minute conversation and the caller hung up with information to support their brother with his other needs - housing, mental health, and clothing.  

Older Adult Finds Programs to Remain Independent 

A senior reached out to 211 because they were having difficulty keeping up with their house. The 211 PEI Community Navigator spent 20 minutes talking to them, asking them questions to find out more about what type of help they needed, and search for programs that they qualified for that would allow the caller to stay in their home and remain independent. In the end, the caller was connected to multiple programs that could help. 

211 Connects Caller to Programs to Help with Medical Costs 

A caller reached out as her husband had medical appointments out-of-province. They were struggling with the cost, transportation, and finding accommodation for the appointments. The 211 PEI Community Navigator was able to find programs that could help with some of the financial strain and spent time problem solving with the caller to work out where costs could be offset and local services that could help. Although there weren’t programs that could fully pay for costs, the caller was thankful to have some of the stress taken away and have someone at the other end of the phone to listen and help find solutions. 

211 Community Navigator Provides Support During Mental Health Crisis 

A caller reached out as they were depressed and struggling with feeling helpless. Through a safety assessment, the 211 PEI Community Navigator determined that they were having suicidal thoughts but there wasn’t an immediate danger. Initially the caller didn’t want to be transferred to a crisis line or mental health line so the 211 community navigator stayed on the phone until the caller felt comfortable to transfer through to a crisis line. 211 was able to provide information about local and national supports that could help the caller and encouraged them to call back anytime.  

Service Provider Finds Help for their New to PEI Client 

211 PEI received a call from a service provider who had a client who was new to PEI. They were awaiting full residency and finding cost of living high, while also not having many social supports. The Community Navigator was able to find social opportunities for the client to build connections and feel less alone. 211 was also able to point to programs that could help with settlement, employment programs, and food support. By reaching out to 211, the service provider saved time and frustration making multiple calls and much online searching.