Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The directory is used by:

• Frontline staff in libraries, hospitals, and community agencies

• 24/7 helplines and crisis responders

• Police and paramedics

• Provincial platforms like 211 Ontario

• The general public, including youth, seniors, newcomers, and parents

The Halton Community Services Directory is maintained by Halton Information Providers (HIP), a coalition of community resource centres. Oakville Public Library’s Information Oakville is the lead agency.

While your website is a great resource, HIPinfo.ca is a centralized tool used by service navigators, police, paramedics, helplines, and AI tools. It feeds into provincial directories and is often the first place people look for help. Keeping your listing updated ensures your organization is accurately represented across multiple platforms.

Yes — but Google often pulls information from public directories like HIPinfo.ca. If your listing is outdated, incorrect info may be shown in search results or AI-generated summaries. Keeping your HIPinfo listing current helps control how your organization appears online.

Yes, but your listing should still include key details like service descriptions, eligibility, and contact info. This helps service navigators and AI tools quickly understand what you offer without needing to visit your site.

We recommend reviewing your listing at least once a year, or whenever there are changes to your services, hours, contact info, or eligibility.

Outdated listings can lead to:

• Misdirected referrals

• Missed opportunities to help someone in need

• Incorrect info being shared by AI tools or search engines

• Reduced visibility in outreach materials and QR code links

You can contact the HIP team directly or use the update form linked in your listing. We’re happy to help walk you through the process.

Yes! HIP offers directory training sessions for staff, volunteers, and community partners. These sessions cover how to navigate the site, update listings, and use the directory for service navigation. Contact us to schedule a session.

Yes! HIP is happy to attend community events, fairs, and outreach activities to share local service information and promote the Halton Community Services Directory. We bring printed materials and can help residents connect with programs across Halton. If you're planning an event and would like HIP to participate, please reach out — we’d love to be involved.

Yes! We provide posters, brochures, rack cards, wallet cards and digital resources that highlight the directory, its views (youth, seniors, parents, newcomers), and commonly searched for resources. Let us know what materials you need and we’ll get them to you.

HIPinfo.ca uses structured data standards to ensure listings are consistent, searchable, and compatible with other platforms like 211 Ontario. This format helps AI tools and search engines accurately interpret your services and improves accessibility for service navigators.

While we don’t currently provide individual analytics, we can share general usage stats and trends. Let us know if you're interested.