National 211 Day

February 11, 2014 has been designated National 211 Day in recognition of the free, user-friendly phone number that is available to 90% of America's population and connects millions of Americans a year to resources, services and critical information in times of crisis.

"United Ways throughout New Hampshire and Vermont proudly support this critical program," said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. "Every day this program fields hundreds of calls from folks with no where else to turn. When major storms, layoffs and epidemics cripple parts of our state the number of calls we take increases dramatically."

In 2013, New Hampshire 211 responded to over 48,688 callers and provided 45,044 referrals to local human services. These calls addressed the basic needs of New Hampshire residents - food, housing, material goods, transportation and utilities. Out of the total number of New Hampshire 211’s outgoing calls 211 staff also made 2,800 follow-up calls to assure that callers had been appropriately referred and to offer additional support if needed.

Governor Maggie Hassan also acknowledges the critical importance of 211 for New Hampshire residents.

"New Hampshire 211 is an invaluable partner in the state’s emergency management and other public service efforts, connecting people with critical resources and services during times of need," Governor Hassan said. "I want to thank the 211 staff and United Way for their unyielding commitment to providing assistance to Granite Staters and for their efforts to strengthen New Hampshire’s communities and families."

New Hampshire 211 is able to provide their services through the support of United Way across and the generosity of PSNH which donates office space and telephone lines for the service. The team at 211 is specially trained in responding to crisis situations and has helped to streamline the process to obtain resources for residents of New Hampshire.

"Our team works with the caller to offer them the resources and services that can help them in their crisis," said Heather Aicholtz, Director of 211 NH Call Center. "Often a caller might not even be aware of some of the programs that could assist them with their situation. Without a resource like 211 they might never have gotten the help they need."

211 NH went live on June 11, 2008 when United Ways in New Hampshire launched 211 services statewide. Citizens across the State of NH are able to connect, via landlines and cell phones, by simply dialing 211.

Vermont also hosts a 211 program that Granite United Way supports.  Like New Hampshire residents, Vermont residents only need to dial 211 to access services.