News & Events
Hartford is Working to End Homelessness. A Transformed Hotel is its Newest Step.
If there was one silver lining to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was discovering that providing services to Hartford’s homeless population in a hotel was possible, according to Community Renewal Team President and CEO Lena Rodriguez. One example, Rodriguez said, was when CRT moved the 100 or so residents of the Stewart B. McKinney Men’s Emergency Shelter to the Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites on Brainard Road.
New Executive Director’s Faith and Fighting Spirit Move HRA of New Britain Forward into Future
This is a story of personal and professional growth as it transcends to face unprecedented trials. This is a story of how a bilingual, single mother living in poverty became Dr. Marlo Greponne, executive director of the Human Resources Agency (HRA) of New Britain. The young city resident started volunteering at the non-profit organization’s Clinton Street headquarters when her daughter was enrolled in HRA’s Head Start preschool program.
New Norwalk Hub Offers Lifeline for Residents in Need of Social Services
The recently opened community resources hub connects Norwalk residents, including Spanish- and Haitian-Creole-speaking residents, to the wealth of nonprofits and social services providers in the city. Area nonprofits and social services partnering with the community resource hub includes Open Doors homeless shelter, Norwalk Community Health Center, The Marvin senior living center and the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut, among others.
As CT Child Tax Rebate Hits Deadline, City and Town Rates Vary Widely
As the deadline nears for Connecticut families to sign up for a state tax rebate worth $250 per child, the Department of Revenue Services is seeing a rush of applications. The Connecticut Association for Community Action, a statewide network that works with lower income families, has about 5,000 kids through its child care programs. Executive director Deb Polun said the agency has near daily contact with the families of those children who its informed about the tax rebate.
Teacher Shortages at Child Care Centers Leading to Fewer Children in Child Care
Teacher shortages at child care centers across Connecticut have led to fewer children attending child care facilities, a recent report by the Connecticut Association for Human Services shows. An estimated 24,000 fewer children are currently at public and private child care centers statewide since the pandemic began in 2020. Monette Ferguson, executive director, Alliance for Community Empowerment in Bridgeport, said that the findings did not come as a surprise.
Lead Hazards in Older Homes Throughout New Britain Will be Eliminated with $5.6 Million Grant
Lead hazards in older homes throughout New Britain will be eliminated with a $5.6 million grant, according to officials. The Healthy Homes New Britain Program is leading the charge, coordinating its efforts with other housing rehabilitation programs currently offered in New Britain. Staff are partnering with the Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA) to provide outreach.
Lamont, Bysiewicz Speak to Importance of Minimum Wage Increases, Support HRA
With national economic pressure continuing to put Connecticut families in ever tougher situations, Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz spoke about the importance of Connecticut minimum wage raises and support of organizations like the Human Resources Agency of New Britain in providing social, educational, and financial assistance to families. “We got it done in Connecticut,” Lamont said.
Childcare Center in Waterbury Gets Funding from State to Help Support Services
The state is putting more than $200,000 into one of TEAM, Inc.'s childcare centers in Waterbury. Using federal funds, the Lamont administration has committed to bolster childcare statewide. It’s part of the state’s strategy to help the economy. “You can’t have a conversation, a meaningful solutions-based conversation around mental health, if you’re not starting in early childhood, if you’re not starting at childcare,” said David Morgan, President and CEO of TEAM, Inc.
CT Child Tax-Rebate Application Open Through July 31
Connecticut parents can apply for the state Child Tax Rebate through July 31. Anti-poverty advocates say the money will serve as additional relief for families struggling with pandemic and inflation challenges. State residents with kids 18 years old or younger can apply for the tax rebate, which was created as part of the fiscal year 2023 budget. Families within a certain income threshold can receive up to $250 per child for three kids, a maximum of $750.
Beth-El Center, TEAM, Inc. Join to Aid COVID-Impacted Households
Beth-El Center, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in Milford, is partnering with TEAM Inc., a nonprofit human services agency in the Valley, to provide housing services and financial aid to individuals who’ve experienced hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. This short-term housing assistance program will provide up to 15 households who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic with housing assistance, financial aid and case management services.