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 Dialing 2-1-1 connects people in Virginia with resources in their community,

24 hours a day

What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services information and referral (I&R).  2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.  2-1-1 makes it possible for people in need to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human services’ agencies and programs by making services easier to access.  2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency. 

2-1-1 VIRGINIA
2-1-1 VIRGINIA is one of two statewide 2-1-1’s in the nation with multiple centers tied seamlessly together through Internet-based software and phone systems.

   
2-1-1 VIRGINIA began February 11, 2006, built on a system of Information and Referral dating back to the 1960’s.  The Commonwealth of Virginia has been a supporter of the system, writing it into the Code of Virginia in 1984.  Virginia was the first in the nation to implement an interconnected statewide Information & Referral system.
 
The Virginia Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (VAIRS) spearheaded the 2-1-1 effort in the Commonwealth. 2-1-1 VIRGINIA is a great example of a public-private partnership. Operated through the Virginia Department of Social Services, there are five call centers in private, non-profit agencies:

Southwest Center:  Council of Community Services (Roanoke)
 
Northwest Center:   Family Resource & Referral (Staunton)
 
Southeast Center:   The Planning Council (Norfolk)
 
Central Center:  United Way of Central Virginia (Lynchburg)
 
Greater Richmond/Southside Center:  United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg (Richmond) 
 
 
Facts about 2-1-1 Virginia 

 ·         There are more than 8,000 agencies and close to 19,000 programs in the database, making 2-1-1 VIRGINIA one of the largest health and human services databases in the state.

  • Easy to remember, 3-digit phone number that connects residents to a trained Community Resource Specialist 7 days a week, 24 hours a day 
  • The 2-1-1 VIRGINIA database is available online at 211virginia.org. 
  • 2-1-1 VIRGINIA adheres to national standards developed by the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS)
  • 2-1-1 reduces the need for costly 1-800 numbers and non-emergency 9-1-1 calls.
  • 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Community Resource Specialists are certified by AIRS and meet its national standards
  • Specialists have expertise in helping callers by identifying individual needs
  • When a caller needs help navigating the system, specialists advocate for them
  • Serves multi-lingual callers through multi-lingual 2-1-1 Specialists as well an interpreter service that supports 200 languages
  • Follow-ups are conducted to evaluate access to needed services
  • Connects volunteers and donors to opportunities in the community
  • Statewide resource database adheres to national AIRS standards
  • Resource Specialists responsible for the database are also AIRS certified
  • Identifies community needs and trends that can aid in community planning
 
For more information, contact: 
2-1-1 VIRGINIA Coordinator
Council of Community Services
PO Box 598
Roanoke, VA 24004
(540) 339-9149
E-mail:  barbp@councilofcommunityservices.org
 

2-1-1 National Coverage

2-1-1 now covers 86.6% of the nation with every state at least partially covered.  More than 16.7 million calls were received in 2011.  To search for 2-1-1 providers throughout the U.S., please visit www.211.org
 
 

Virginia Alliance of Information & Referral Systems - VAIRS