Residents in the City of Calgary who are lacking basic needs like food or housing or are struggling with mental health can find help by calling 211, and a joint initiative is shining a spotlight on all the services that can be accessed there.

Involving the United Way of Calgary, Distress Centre Calgary, and the City of Calgary, personnel answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Officials say over 35,000 calls are made to the service every year.

The line is meant to ease the burden on the city’s 911 services, which is main line that people use when they really don’t know what other number to use. Callers who use 211 can get their questions answered and can be put in touch with the services they are looking for right away.

“One call to 211 connects citizens in need with thousands of resources,” said Acting Inspector Blake Hiebert with the CPS in a release. “From basic needs, like housing and food, to mental health, and many other resources.”

Officials also say they pass on the details about the 211 service to anyone who needs more help than what one of the city’s three main emergency services can offer. “From time to time we recognize that some citizens need more help than we can provide as first responders,” added Carol Henke, Public Information Office with the Calgary Fire Department. “211 is a resource we’ll promote to citizens to ensure they’re supported after we leave.”

The 211 service is free of charge, and provides confidential service in more than 200 languages.

It can also be accessed online by visiting www.ab.211.ca.