211 Virginia offers information on a wide variety of services including:
- Food pantries
- Quality childcare
- Physical and mental health resources
- Services for older persons and individuals with disabilities
To get fast, free, and confidential information or referrals from a Community Resource Specialist, contact 211.
Individuals with internet access may search the statewide database by visiting the 211 Virginia Website. Postal mail and email requests are also accepted.
Agencies
We currently maintain comprehensive information on more than 18,000 health and human service-related programs in Virginia.
Government, nonprofits, community-based agencies, and businesses that provide health and human services to the citizens of Virginia are encouraged to list their organizations on the 211 Virginia database. To list or update your agency, go to “Update/Add Your Agency” on the 211 Virginia website.
2-1-1 Counts
2-1-1 Counts is the first tool to provide real-time, searchable, and visual presentations from 211 Virginia. 2-1-1 Counts provides a snapshot of community-specific needs displayed by zip code or region as recently as yesterday, enabling individuals, community leaders, and service agencies to check trends, make comparisons, and share information. 2-1-1 Counts uses Census Data and has the ability to overlay with 211 data.
This information is free and accessible to the public.
What are the most pressing needs in your community? Find out with 2-1-1 Counts!
211 Virginia University
211 Virginia University is a one-stop resource for nonprofits, government agencies, and faith-based programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Whether your agency is listed in the 211 Virginia Database or not, this is where you can find out about training opportunities, download reports and one-page Quick Guides, order 211 Virginia Rack and wallet cards, or contact a member of the 211 Virginia Community Engagement team. For more information, visit 211vauniversity.mailchimpsites.com/.
Certifications
AIRS Certification
The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) is an international association comprised of over 5,000 individual and organizational members. AIRS has developed clear and consistent professional standards that address each aspect of quality I&R provision to ensure a uniform level of quality and professionalism across the board. The AIRS Certification Program awards professional credentials to individuals who successfully complete the appropriate AIRS Certification Program for I&R practitioners. Certification is an acknowledgment of demonstrated competence in the field of information and referral. All 211 Virginia Community Resource Specialists work to achieve and maintain AIRS certification.
NIMS Certification
211 Virginia Contact Specialists also pursue National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification. NIMS training aims to provide a common approach for managing incidents – including natural hazards, terrorist activities, and other human-created disasters – regardless of size or complexity. NIMS training and implementation ensures that departments and agencies at all levels of the government, non-government organizations, and the private sector are able to work together seamlessly. 211 has played an active role in times of emergency and disaster by providing our customers with important information regarding disaster response and recovery.
Community Engagement
211 Virginia has six Community Engagement Specialists across the state to educate local governments, businesses, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and community members about 211 Virginia and our services. They also seek out new resources and assist current ones with updating their agency listing information on the 211 Virginia database.
If you are interested in learning more about 211 Virginia, please call (540) 353-9889.
Quick Guides to Community Resources
Community Resource Guides are available upon request, please contact amandah@councilofcommunityservices.org.