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During your chat session, you may be asked to provide us with some information such as postal code, age, and email address. If you choose to share personal information with us, it will be used for internal purposes, allowing us to better serve you. An exception to this is if we are seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s — in this case, we will try to send help.

211 strives to ensure confidentiality in its communications. Nevertheless, the Internet should not be considered a secure medium and privacy cannot be guaranteed. Also be aware that computers may have software installed that tracks what you type or the web pages you visit. Please use our 211 telephone service if you have concerns about this.

A transcript of your chat is recorded and stored for quality assurance and training purposes. You can download the transcript at the end of the chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who answers the live chat service?
The same helpful, trained information and referral specialists who provide our 211 telephone answer your live chat messages.

Is the live chat service free?
Our service is free. If you use live chat from a cell phone or other mobile device without connecting to free wifi, the service will use some data on your plan.

Can I use the live chat service from a smartphone?
Live chat works best on a computer. If you have a smartphone, chat (Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm ET) or call us at 211 anytime.

In what languages is the live chat available?
The services are available in English and French. For 211 service in other languages, please call our telephone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 211.

Is the service confidential?
Our service is confidential. The only exception to this is if we are seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s – in this case, we will try to send help.