For years, Vermont 211 has been promoted as the trusted, single number connecting residents to essential services and disaster support. Like many human services organizations across the state, Vermont 211 is facing staff recruitment and retention challenges. To ensure the ongoing sustainability of Vermont 211, adequate funding is needed to support staff and operations, and investment in innovations to ensure that Vermont 211 can best serve the community’s emergency services and health-related social needs.

The Alliance supports the United Ways of Vermont’s request for adequate investment to ensure that Vermont 211 can continue to provide consistent, high-quality support to Vermonters in need.

Lead Organization: United Ways of Vermont

Data and Talking Points

• In 2024, VT 211 received 57,375 calls and texts, resulting in 22,008 referrals for benefits and services
• Vermont 211’s database contains 1116 agencies and 3192 programs

Result: Full funding secured

Pre-session goal: Secure $1.6 million in base funding for Vermont 211.

The Governor’s Recommended FY27 Budget included a reduction of $332,000 in base funding from the FY26 appropriation of $1.6 million. The House Human Services, Health Care, and Appropriations Committees all strongly backed Vermont 211’s request for full funding, which was included in the House FY27 Budget. While the Senate reduced the House allocation by $166,000 in its budget, full base funding of $1.6 million was restored in the final FY27 Budget that was approved by the Legislature.

While this funding level will necessitate some strategic program changes, it does allow for critical infrastructure and technology updates to position VT 211 to better support and respond to community needs. Staff will no longer answer calls during the overnight hours, but new tools, such as an intelligent virtual assistant and direct connections to 988 and 911, will be available to assist callers during that time. The on-line database will remain available 24/7.