May
2017
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Let's Continue to Lead the Nation in Our Fight Against Homelessness
A Message from Richard Porth          
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut  
 
Connecticut is leading the nation in fighting homelessness due to the state's investment in affordable housing and in a system built upon the collective effort of government agencies, numerous nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, housing advocates and housing and shelter providers. Through these collaborative efforts and the exceptional leadership of the Department of Housing, our state has achieved unprecedented success in fighting veteran and chronic homelessness.
 
Now our challenge is to maintain the resources and leadership necessary for Coordinated Access to continue to succeed and to prevent future chronic homelessness. On Wednesday, May 31st, the Partnership for Strong Communities "Preventing Future Chronic Homelessness" IForum will take a closer look at how behavioral health, criminal justice and access to health and human services intersects with preventing future chronic homelessness.
 

The 2017 Point-in-Time Count revealed a 24% decrease in homelessness since 2007. Click HERE to read the "Connecticut Counts Report on Homelessness in Connecticut."

May is Mental Health Month  
 
Mental Health America is focusing their 2017 "May is Mental Health Month," campaign on "Risky Business,' and the importance of educating people about habits and behaviors that may increase the risk of developing mental illnesses or be signs of a mental health issue. Mental Health America's 2017 Tool Kit includes a series of fact sheets on these specific behaviors and habits and information on where people can go to get help.

  Visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may or click HERE to download the 2017 Toolkit.
 
More than 40 million Americans have a mental health condition yet; 56% of those suffering do not receive the treatment they need. United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 helps connect people to mental health resources. 2-1-1 Connecticut is a certified crisis and intervention center and was recently reaccredited by the American Association on Suicidology.  2-1-1 also maintains a number of eLibrary papers on Mental Health related issues which contain useful links to organizations offering support and information on mental health disorders. In 2016, 2-1-1 received more than 60,000 service requests for mental health and crisis intervention services.
 
If you are looking for help, information or access to mental health resources, 2-1-1 contact specialists are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to answer calls and serve as a point of entry for crisis intervention services. For more information about mental health resources in Connecticut call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org.


Celebrate College Savings Plan Day on May 29th (5/29)

A 529 college savings plan can make it easier for families to plan and prepare for their children's college education. 529 plans offer tax-advantaged investments to promote saving for college.

CHET (Connecticut Higher Education Trust) is the Connecticut 529 college savings plan. When used for qualifying education expenses, funds invested in CHET accounts can be withdrawn tax-free. There is also a state income tax deduction available for contributions to a CHET 529 college savings plan.

The CHET website has details about the investment options, advice about planning ahead for college, and a calculator to estimate future costs of higher education. To learn more, call 1-888-799-CHET (2438) or visit www.aboutchet.com.

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The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education and connection to services.