Information and Referral: Ensure a Strong, Adequately Funded Vermont 211 For many years, non-profit service providers throughout Vermont have promoted and relied upon Vermont 211 as the one phone number to remember, as the reliable, trusted place where someone will always answer and help people connect with services and referrals. Vermont 211 is supported in large part by state funding through the Department of for Children and Families. The program has been level-funded for many years even as the actual cost of running the program has grown significantly. The final FY25 Budget provided sufficient funding to restore 24/7 operations. However, this was made possible by using some one-time funding. The Alliance supports the allocation of sufficient base state funding in FY26 for the Vermont 211 Information and Referral System that allows for full-time service, maintenance of information databases, and capacity to assist the state and municipalities in times of disaster and emergencies. Update The Governor’s FY26 Recommended Budget provides $1.3 million in base funding for Vermont 211, which is $332,000 less than the FY25 state funding that allowed Vermonters to access a staffed information and referral service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Vermont 211 is asking legislators to support this allocation and add an additional $332,000 in base funding in their FY26 Budget. The need for a staffed, comprehensive information and referral service is not decreasing. Too many Vermonters continue to struggle to secure food, housing, and social services. Vermont 211 meets this ongoing need and is part of the infrastructure that enables health and human service organizations to provide timely services. Vermont 211 also provides critical support during natural disasters and other community crises. In addition to reaching out to legislators to support this request, we are working to increase awareness of Vermont 211 among policy makers by celebrating National 211 Day on February 11 at the State House. Please join us at 4:30 pm in the State House cafeteria for coffee, tea, and cookies and a chance to let legislators know why it is important to ensure that Vermonter’s can access this service whenever it is needed. | |
Data and Talking Points - Vermont 211 received 50,157 contacts in 2023 via calls and text, resulting in 23,792 referrals for benefits and services.
- 40,000 people/unique users visited the Vermont 211 website resulting in over 60,000 data searches.
- Information about programs and services from over 1,000 agencies are listed in the Vermont 211 database.
- Vermont 211 is the most efficient and effective system that Vermont has to ensure people across the state can get the information they need. A strong 211 is critical at all times, but especially in times of crisis or disaster.
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| |  | Alliance ‘25 Legislative Agenda Issue Spotlight – VT 211/Fair Share for Vermont – 2/10 The Alliance’s series of virtual Issue Spotlights focusing on issues from the Alliance’s 2025 Legislative Agenda continues next week. Our next session will be held Monday, February 10, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, and will focus on funding for Vermont 211 and the Fair Share for Vermont Campaign. Led by representatives from United Ways of VT and Fund Vermont’s Future, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about each of these issues, get an update on how they are progressing in the legislature, and how to get involved. | | | | | |  | | | | |
