Client Spotlight: Why Funding for NJ 211 Should Be a State Budget Priority

At The Zita Group, we have the privilege of partnering with organizations that transform lives across New Jersey. Among our most impactful clients is NJ 211, a statewide, 24/7 service that connects residents to thousands of health and human service programs quickly, confidentially, and in over 200 languages. If you’ve ever needed help finding housing support, paying a utility bill or navigating services during an emergency, chances are NJ 211 was there to guide the way.

On June 26, TZG’s Ken Murphy joined our client NJ 211 at the Statehouse for their annual Lobbying Day to educate lawmakers about the critical role NJ 211 plays in our communities and advocate for full funding in the FY 2026 state budget. With demand on the rise, increased support is needed to ensure this vital service remains responsive and accessible to all.

The Power of 211

NJ 211 operates as New Jersey’s comprehensive information and referral service, connecting residents to thousands of health and human service programs across the state. It’s free, easy to access and serves as a trusted guide for navigating everything from utility assistance to housing, food or disaster response. As NJ 211 CEO Melissa Acree shared, “In 2024, a total of 321,000 contacts were handled by NJ 211 and over 750,000 website searches for help were conducted. Our average wait time for calls to be answered is less than two minutes.” Dial 211 to get help today!

Learn more about 211: https://nj211.org/

Why Increased Support is Needed

With the June 30 state budget deadline approaching, NJ 211 is seeking full funding in FY 2026 to keep up with growing call volume and evolving responsibilities.

This funding would help NJ 211:

• Manage the 73% increase in call volume and continue answering 80% of calls in under three minutes
• Maintain and verify more than 6,300 statewide service programs each year
• Share real-time data and trends through public dashboards to help guide policy and decision-making
• Communicate important government program changes quickly and clearly to the public
• Provide trusted information during emergencies, including disaster alerts, shelter access, and essential services
• Prepare for high-impact events like the 2026 World Cup, ensuring residents can access both routine and emergency resources

The bottom line: this investment allows NJ 211 to do what it does best and be there when it matters most.

How TZG is helping

At The Zita Group, we’ve worked alongside NJ 211 for years to ensure this essential service continues to receive the funding it needs. We’ve successfully helped secure funding in past state budgets and are continuing that advocacy as demand for 211 grows.

About The Zita Group

The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.