211 Virginia Marks 20 Years of Connecting Virginians to Support and Community 

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. 

Over the past two decades, 211 Virginia has become an essential part of the Commonwealth’s support system. From everyday challenges to unexpected emergencies, the service has provided a steady, human presence for individuals and families looking for clarity and connection.  

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.” 

As 211 Virginia reflects on 20 years of support, the anniversary offers an opportunity not only to look back but also to recognize how the service continues to evolve. Its role has expanded alongside the changing needs of communities, adapting to new technologies, new partnerships and new ways of meeting people where they are. Today, 211 Virginia connects callers, texters and online users to thousands of nonprofit organizations, public agencies and community-based providers across the Commonwealth. By making information easier to reach and conversations easier to start, 211 helps reduce barriers and brings support closer to home. 

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.” 

Two decades later from Senator Kaine’s first call, that vision is still shaping the work of 211 Virginia. The service continues to expand its reach through new tools, partnerships and approaches that reflect the realities of modern life. As more services move online and systems grow more complex, the need for a trusted place to turn remains as important as ever. 

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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About the 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.