Vermont 211 Struggled to Keep Up With a Deluge of Flood Calls

Source: Seven Days (August 1, 2023)

Significance: Overview of challenges 211 faced during the July 2023 floods. 

Description: 211 is a service residents can call to report damage from flooding. It documents the extent of flood damage and connects people with resources needed for recovery, and this information is shared with disaster relief organizations. Residents can now submit flood damage information via a resident form.

The article highlights critical flaws in Vermont’s 211 disaster response system during the July 2023 floods, emphasizing how underfunding and poor communication left many flood victims without timely help. While 211 was intended to be a central hub for damage reporting and connecting residents with resources, its overwhelmed staff, limited hours, and lack of coordination with local volunteers delayed relief and caused confusion. The situation underscores the urgent need for better investment, planning, and data sharing infrastructure to support effective long-term flood recovery across Vermont.