For many years, nonprofit service providers throughout Vermont have promoted Vermont 211 as the one phone number to remember, and as the reliable, trusted place where someone will always answer and always try to help with services and supports. Vermont 211 is funded primarily through the Department of Children and Families. The program had been level funded for many years even as the actual cost of running the program has grown. Full-time, 24 hour/day operations in FY25 are only possible because of one-time funding included by the Legislature.

The Alliance supports the United Ways of Vermont’s request for a total of $1.6 million in base funding for Vermont 211 to maintain current 24/7 operations readiness for emergency and disaster response and recovery as needed.

Lead Organization: United Ways of Vermont

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.

Resources

• 2024 Summary of Contacts Report

Session Results

Result: Full funding secured

Pre-session goal: Secure $1.6 million in base funding for Vermont 211 to maintain current 24/7 operations, as well as readiness for emergency and disaster response and recovery as needed.

The Governor’s FY26 Recommended Budget proposed Vermont 211 receive $1.3 million in base funding, which is $332,000 less than the FY25 funding that allowed Vermonters to access a staffed information and referral service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The House Human Services and Appropriations Committees strongly backed Vermont 211’s request for full funding to support 24/7 operations, and sufficient funding was included in the House FY26 Budget using a combination of sources. The Senate agreed with the House, and full funding of $1.6 million for 24/7 operations was included in the Legislature’s FY26 Budget.