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Council recognizes 20 years of 211 Virginia; staff highlight local usage and data capabilities
Summary
Roanoke City Council proclaimed Feb. 11 as 211 Virginia Day and heard a presentation from the Council of Community Services describing the statewide helpline’s 20‑year history, nearly 2 million people served and the ability to provide region and ZIP‑level data to local partners.
Roanoke City Council on March 2 presented a proclamation recognizing the 20th anniversary of 211 Virginia and heard a briefing from Amanda Hulcom of the Council of Community Services, the nonprofit that operates the state’s 211 service from Roanoke.
Amanda Hulcom told the council that 211 Virginia has served nearly 2 million individuals and provided about 4.7 million referrals since the system’s founding. She noted 211 provides real‑time data on community needs, is available 24/7 by phone, text and online, and connects callers to health and human services statewide. "211 Virginia is available to all Virginiaians 24/7/365 by dialing 211," Hulcom said.
Rob, the council’s data lead for 211, said the service can provide increasingly granular data. Council members asked whether the data can be narrowed to Roanoke City or ZIP codes; Rob said it can, and that the state is split into regions for reporting. Council members praised 211’s role in connecting residents to services and noted the local nonprofit’s long history in the region.
The proclamation and presentation emphasized 211’s role in addressing food insecurity, housing instability, behavioral health needs and disaster response. The council accepted the presentation and invited staff to provide materials and reports for follow-up requests.
