Nonprofits and government: Add your info to 2-1-1 Virginia to help the NNK everyday and in an emergency
211, aka 2-1-1 Virginia, is the state’s social services resource and referral system. A 411 for people if you will.
Officially, “2-1-1 is an easy to remember phone number connecting people with free information on available community services. When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional listens to your situation and suggests sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in Virginia.” And, “2-1-1 VIRGINIA provides access to services in your community and statewide. All referrals are confidential and you can search for these same services on this 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Web site [https://211virginia.org/].” (Source)
211 plays an essential role in disaster preparedness and support after the fact, as the image above and text (from the image) below show.
211 Virginia: Your Partner in Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE RESPONSE
211 Virginia continues to respond to Hurricane Helene as the state’s public inquiry line, providing vital information on federal, state, and local resources for those affected. The storm caused widespread damage to many parts of the state, with communities in Southwest Virginia – including Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe counties, and the City of Galax – among the hardest hit, facing disruption and devastation.
As of October 9, 2024, 211 Virginia has supported residents in 55 cities and counties across the state, handling over 230 contacts, identifying nearly 500 needs, and connecting individuals with necessary resources and information. Additionally, 211 Virginia has activated its automated texting system, responding to more than 540 texts to assist with donation efforts and resource coordination.
Amid the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, 211 Virginia is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton. Our thoughts are with the residents of Florida, where Florida 211s are actively providing support to those in need. Across the affected states, 211s are helping people through all stages - preparation, response, and recovery.
Looking ahead, 211 Virginia is preparing for its busiest time of the year, fielding both fuel assistance and holiday assistance requests. The fuel assistance application period runs from October 8 – November 8, 2024. As communities continue to recover, 211 Virginia remains committed to providing ongoing support while managing these critical seasonal needs.
Why 211 matters
Not surprisingly, the top requests from the Northern Neck October 18, 2023 to October 16, 2024 were the basic needs housing and utility assistance―185 and 206, respectively. The top results are consistent across the country.
However, 2-1-1 Virginia lacks Northern Neck-based resources to address typical requests (housing and and utility assistance) and emergency, crisis, and disaster needs. For example, a search for “Richmond County” and “Disaster” returns the following, in order:
- Emergency Management - Warsaw, Richmond County Department of Emergency Services
- Disaster Loans - Richmond, U.S. Small Business Administration Virginia (Richmond) District Office
- Economic Development - Richmond, United States Small Business Administration
Now this list does not represent the services actually available to individuals and families. There’s the American Red Cross in Kilmarnock and Heathsville. There are county-based human services department which are part of the Virginia Department of Social Services. There are houses of faith, membership organizations like the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club, and fraternal organizations. But the point is you would have to know about these organizations, know where they are on social media, know what county they are in, etc. to use them. That takes time and energy in a crisis/disaster/emergency that people don't have to expend.
And that is precisely why 211 exists. According to 2-1-1, “We are the boots on the ground, the local experts who make finding help easier.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 211 as the 3-digit number for information and referrals to social services and other assistance in 2000. The 211 service is provided by more than 200 local organizations that are committed to serving their communities. Many different kinds of organizations operate the 211 service, including United Ways, Goodwill, Community Action Partnerships, and local crisis centers.
The Northumberland County Department of Emergency Services, for one, understands the value of 211. In Crosscutting Opportunity, THE RAFT Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool, Northumberland County Scorecard Opportunity List, 2019-2020 (PDF), the authors identify 211 as a “cross-cutting opportunity”:
Improve communication and information distribution systems regarding social service provision to the general public, especially vulnerable communities: (1) coordinate between department of social services (DSS) and community organizations, including churches, (2) actively update DSS websites and improve their connectivity with county websites, (3) explore a revamp of Northern Neck Connect or another centralized online portal model (4) use radio, newspapers, Facebook page, sheriff’s website to share info, (5) establish an information line (i.e. 211/511) line to connect individuals calling to the appropriate agency or service provider.
Editorial: Having been on the team which created 211 in the District of Columbia and then years later worked to revive it, I understand the power of this tool, as well as the resources required to keep it updated and used. In my experience, time and energy are worth it.
Earlier this year, I shared thoughts (PDF) with the Northumberland County Department of Emergency Services that I believe will improve the public’s experience during difficult times. 211 was included.
I continue to urge the Northumberland County Department of Emergency Services and like departments in other NNK counties to work with and encourage nonprofit organizations to add themselves to―and maintain their information in―2-1-1 Virginia. But nonprofits on their own should take responsibility to add themselves to this system, regardless of encouragement, or potential lack thereof of local government. In addition, nonprofits and other organizations can, and should, improve their outreach, engagement, and information-sharing efforts with the public.
