RICHMOND, VA (February 11, 2026) - Each year, National 211 Day provides a moment for communities across the country to recognize the vital role that 211 services play in strengthening connections and supporting people in times of need. This year marks a milestone for 211 Virginia as the statewide service celebrates 20 years of connecting Virginians to trusted community resources.       

Since its launch in 2006, 211 Virginia has served as a trusted point of contact for people seeking information, guidance and access to locally available programs and services. What began as a simple idea, a single number that could make it easier for people to navigate complicated systems, has grown into a statewide network that now supports more than 90,000 Virginians each year. 

En las dos últimas décadas, 211 Virginia se convirtió en una parte esencial del sistema de apoyo del Commonwealth. Desde desafíos cotidianos hasta emergencias inesperadas, el servicio proporcionó una presencia humana constante para personas y familias que buscan claridad y conexión.  

211 Virginia is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) in partnership with community organizations across the Commonwealth, ensuring people can reach trusted local resources when they need them most.  

“For 20 years, 211 Virginia has been available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a place to turn when life feels uncertain,” said VDSS Commissioner Duke Storen. “Behind every call is a real person listening with care. Those conversations not only support individuals and families, but they also help us better understand what Virginians are facing so we can serve our communities with greater compassion and purpose.” 

Mientras 211 Virginia reflexiona sobre 20 años de apoyo, el aniversario ofrece no solo la oportunidad de mirar atrás, sino también de reconocer cómo el servicio sigue evolucionando. Su papel se amplió junto con las necesidades cambiantes de las comunidades, adaptar a nuevas tecnologías, nuevas alianzas y nuevas formas de encontrar a las personas donde están. Hoy en día, 211 Virginia conecta a personas que llaman, envían mensajes de texto y usuarios en línea con miles de organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro, agencias públicas y proveedores comunitarios en todo el Commonwealth. Al facilitar el acceso a la información y facilitar el inicio de conversaciones, 211 ayuda a reducir barreras y acerca el apoyo a casa. 

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who made the very first call to 211 Virginia when the service launched, reflected on the milestone in a recent op-ed n the Richmond Times-Dispatch, writing: “One of the truest measures of whether a government cares about its citizens is how easily people can access services they need and deserve. 211 Virginia’s success shows us what can happen when government focuses on helping real people, on alleviating real suffering and real uncertainty.” 

Dos décadas luego de la primera llamada del senador Kaine, esa visión sigue moldeando el trabajo de 211 Virginia. El servicio sigue ampliando su alcance mediante nuevas herramientas, alianzas y enfoques que reflejan las realidades de la vida moderna. A medida que más servicios se conectan a Internet y los sistemas se vuelven más complejos, la necesidad de un lugar de confianza al que acudir sigue siendo tan importante como siempre. 

Looking ahead, 211 Virginia remains focused on deepening its impact, strengthening its partnerships and ensuring that every Virginian, regardless of where they live or the challenges they face, has access to reliable information and support. 

For information and support, Virginians can connect with 211 Virginia by dialing 2-1-1, texting ‘CONNECT’ to 247211 or visiting 211Virginia.org to search for resources and chat live. 

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Acerca del Virginia Department of Social Services

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), one of the Commonwealth’s largest government agencies, is comprised of approximately 2,000 state staff who proudly serve alongside more than 10,000 employees of 120 local departments of social services and community action agencies to deliver critical social services to Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. VDSS is committed to ensuring Virginians have access to the high-quality human services and resources needed to enhance their individual and collective well-being, and shape strong futures for themselves, their families and communities. The agency provides a wide range of services and resources in the areas of food and energy assistance, foster care and adoption, child support, and abuse and neglect prevention, among others.