Day 211 raises awareness of social issues in Calgary

This weekend, a hotline for Calgarians seeking help with critical needs will be the focus.

The Calgary Crisis Center, which operates 211, helps connect people with housing and income support.

Launched in 2005, anyone who calls the number is connected to a resource specialist trained to help them access the services they need.

On Sunday, the Calgary Emergency Center will host a series of events to raise awareness of how they can help members of the community.

The center says it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is completely confidential.

Last year, 211 specialists answered more than 50,000 contacts and follow-up calls.

Officials said 14 percent of those calls involved shelters.

More information about the center and its services can be found online.