Vermont 2-1-1 warns funding cut could jeopardize statewide hotline as demand spikes

Allison Lavagna, executive director of Vermont 2-1-1, told the Senate Health & Welfare Committee on Feb. 11 that the statewide information-and-referral service is at risk from a proposed fiscal-year 2027 budget cut and that demand for its services has increased markedly in recent years.

Lavagna said the governor’s proposed FY27 budget reduces 2-1-1’s funding by $332,000 from a sustainable level the legislature had set at $1,640,000. "These services and functions are absolutely in jeopardy" if funding is reduced, she told the committee, and she asked members to consider restoring or preserving that funding level so the service can meet core needs and respond to disasters.

Lavagna described 2-1-1 as a 24/7 resource that provides free, statewide access by phone and text to a database of more than 11,000 services, offers interpretation services and is an integral disaster‑response partner. She said that in 2025 the program responded to more than 61,000 contacts and made over 22,000 referrals, most often for housing but also for utilities, tax assistance, veteran and disability services.

Why it matters: Committee members said 2-1-1 is "critical state infrastructure," used as a front door to social and health services during crises (floods, COVID, other disasters) and during policy or benefit changes that spike demand. Lavagna said call volume has risen from roughly 50–55,000 contacts in prior years to more than 61,000 in 2025 and that spikes align with housing rule changes, disasters and other policy shifts.

On operations, Lavagna said 2-1-1 is examining staffing models to meet peak demand (noting the busiest hours are roughly 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and that the organization entered a fiscal sponsorship relationship with the Vermont Language Justice Project in October to strengthen language access. When asked about partnerships and potential funding details, Lavagna offered to return for a more detailed budget conversation when the committee begins its budget work after crossover.

Next steps: Committee members acknowledged the ask and suggested 2-1-1 follow up with specific budget materials in forthcoming budget hearings. No vote or formal budget decision was made during this session.