Vermont 211 will celebrate International 211 Day on Feb. 11, 2025, with a Vermont House Resolution proclaiming it as 211 Day, at 10 a.m. It is also marking its 20th anniversary the same day.
As a free, 24/7 information and referral service, 211 provides unmatched, critical services. Every day, Vermonters contact 211 for confidential help to access crisis and emergency counseling, food, health care and insurance assistance, housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services, and childcare and family services.
211 meets real needs in real time. In 2024 alone, Vermont 211 received 57,375 calls, texts, and emails, helping thousands of people with life-changing support. There is no other organization in the state that has a similar pulse on Vermonters’ needs.
Vermont 211 provides expert, caring help. Trained 211 Community Resource Specialists assist callers to identify needs and connect people with a wide range of available resources that meet their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text or email.
“Over the past two decades, Vermont 211 has evolved to meet the changing needs of Vermonters, expanding its reach and improving its services,” said Elizabeth Gilman, interim executive director. “As Vermont 211 marks this milestone, we honor our Community Resource Specialists who help thousands of Vermonters. Whether responding to disaster or connecting callers with resources for day-to-day needs, Vermont 211 is here, at any hour, every day.”
While 211 is available every day of the year, it is especially helpful during times of disaster, such as during flooding over the last two years, by helping to spread accurate and vetted information — while ensuring 911 calls are reserved for physical emergencies.
For 211 Day, Vermont 211 encourages residents to:
- Call, text or email 211 if they or someone they know needs help
- Share 211 widely with their neighbors, family and friends to connect others to help and supports
- Advocate to your local policymakers for the importance of and need to strengthen 211
Vermont 211 is an Information and Referral program of the United Ways of Vermont. By dialing 2-1-1 24/7 or by texting your zip code to 898211, you will receive up-to-date information and referrals on health and human services for your area and region. (Text Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) The 211 Database is also available 24 hours a day at vermont211.org. Email us at [email protected].
