VERMONT

The information and referral hotline Vermont 211 is set to resume 24/7 service

Portrait of Sydney P. Hakes Sydney P. Hakes
Burlington Free Press

Vermont 211 returned to full service as of July 1. The one-stop number to call or text for all things related to the community, health and human services is now operating 24/7, 365 days a year.

The hours were cut in July 2023 by the Agency of Human Services. After receiving funding from Vermont Legislature, the agency restored full hours.

Executive Director Elizabeth Gilman said that thousands of people reach out to Vermont 211 annually, and the organization is "grateful for this funding and relieved for Vermonters who rely on this critical service for resources."

Vermont 211 can provide detailed descriptions of the programs and services provided by community, social, health and government organizations, simply by dialing 211. As of July 1, 2024, the organization is running every day, all day.

The agency is housed with the United Ways of Vermont, and staff are trained and become certified in Information and Referral by an international accrediting organization, Inform USA.

Vermont 211 is free and confidential. Vermonters can connect by phone, text or email to find services and resources to help with everyday needs and in difficult times. Vermont 211 also is a primary partner in disaster response, recovery and communications.

Contact Vermont 211 by dialing the number, visit the website, Verrmont211.org, or by text your zip code to 898211.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.