(Montpelier) — Effective July 1, 2026, Vermont 211 will adjust its hours of operation to
8:00am–10:00pm daily, 7 days a week, 365 days per year, including weekends and
holidays. Vermont 211 will no longer staff phone lines between 10:00pm and 8:00am.
This strategic decision, made in close consultation with the Vermont Agency for Human
Services, community partners, and legislators, reflects data-driven resource optimization.
Vermont 211 is investing resources responsibly to expand capacity during peak calling
periods, which consistently occur between 4:00pm–10:00pm. During these hours, Vermont
211 staff simultaneously manage both general information and referral services and the
state’s General Assistance Emergency Housing voucher program—a critical resource for
Vermonters facing housing crises.
“United Ways of Vermont remains deeply committed to providing high-quality, free, and
accessible services to every Vermonter in need of connection to health and human
services,” said Alison Lamagna, Executive Director of United Ways of Vermont. “These
hours represent a thoughtful, strategic reallocation of resources informed by real data and
collaborative partnership. We’re redirecting capacity to the times when Vermonters need us
most,” Lamagna said.
24/7 Support Still Available. Vermonters will continue to have access to critical resources
around the clock through multiple channels:
● The searchable online resource directory at www.vermont211.org is available
24/7/365, allowing users to find services, hours, contact information, and eligibility
requirements for thousands of Vermont programs.
● New technology updates to Vermont 211’s phone system this summer will allow
callers who dial 211 during overnight hours to navigate an automated system to
connect with emergency or crisis services or access basic resources.
● Vermonters seeking to apply for the General Assistance Emergency Housing
voucher program will need to do so during business hours by calling Economic
Services from 8:00am-4:30pm, or through phone contact with Vermont 211 staff from
4:30pm-10pm.
Vermont 211 is a free, confidential service available by phone (dial 211), online at
www.vermont211.org, and by text (text your zip code to 898211, available 8:00am–
10:00pm). Vermont 211 connects Vermonters to services and resources for everyday needs
and during difficult times and serves as a critical partner in statewide disaster response and
recovery.