Vermont 2-1-1
Statewide Helpine Goes Live

BURLINGTON, VERMONT (February 11, 2005) – Need help finding help? Beginning today, Vermonters have a new service available to them called “2-1-1.” The state-wide helpline provides confidential information and referral to vital community resources.

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember three-digit dialing system (similar to 9-1-1 and 4-1-1) that makes a simple, but critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities with the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. It is a cost-effective answer to help Vermonters navigate the complex and ever-growing network of service providers.

“Through Vermont 2-1-1, we are providing a critically needed service,” said MaryEllen Mendl, President of United Ways of Vermont. “Time and time again we hear that people just don’t know who to call when they need help. Calling 2-1-1 is their first step.”

History
2-1-1 was first launched by United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta in 1997 and in only a few years, this service has grown to serve over 34 percent of the U.S. population, in 141 active 2-1-1 systems throughout 30 states and Washington, DC. United Way of America’s goal is to help ensure that 50 percent of the U.S. population is covered by 2-1-1 service by the end of 2005.

Milestones in Vermont


• 1996 – Champlain Initiative stakeholders identified a need to create a “one-stop resource center” that would link people in need to services available to them.
• July 2002 - statewide “Get Info” service formed by merger of two county-based comprehensive information & referral services, and the former Agency of Human Services Parents Assistance Line. The service is managed by the United Way of Chittenden County and the United Way of Windham County.
• November 2004 – Vermont Public Service Board designated United Ways of Vermont to be the 2-1-1 provider in Vermont.
• Feb. 11, 2005 – Vermont becomes the second New England state to offer statewide 2-1-1 service.

“It’s been rewarding to help bring this valuable service to the state of Vermont,” noted Larry Kraft, Director of Springfield Hospital Foundation and Chair of the Vermont 2-1-1 advisory board. “After many years of assisting in community information efforts, I saw the first 2-1-1 in Atlanta, and then watched as the field has been transformed.”

Vermont 2-1-1 is a program of United Ways of Vermont, and is funded by individual United Ways throughout Vermont, the Vermont Agency of Human Services, and grants from local foundations. Significant in-kind support has been received from IBM Corporation and Downs, Rachlin, and Martin PLLC.

“IBM is pleased to be partnering with United Ways of Vermont to bring 2-1-1 to the state,” said Marie Houghton, Community Relations Manager for IBM Burlington. “Donating the computers to the 2-1-1 call center is our way of assuring that Vermonters can find and access information and services when in need.”

For confidential information or referral to a variety of services, Vermont 2-1-1 can be reached by dialing “2-1-1” from anywhere in Vermont, or by visiting www.vermont211.org. The helpline staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. After-hours callers may leave a message on the voicemail system and calls will be returned the next business day.

In Vermont call 9-1-1 to save a life, stop a crime, report a fire;
call 2-1-1 for community services information and referral.

United Ways of Vermont is comprised of members from the 10 United Ways serving communities throughout the state - United Way of Addison County, United Way of Bennington County, United Way of Chittenden County, Franklin-Grand Isle United Way, Green Mountain United Way, United Way of Lamoille County, United Way of Rutland County, United Way of Southern Windsor County, Upper Valley United Way, and United Way of Windham County.