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Building Communities
Changing Lives
April 2024
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Dear Julia,
While April has proven to be another busy month, we are extremely proud to celebrate our many volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week by shining a spotlight on the exceptional contributions these individuals have made. From our many VITA volunteers who helped prepare a record breaking 800 plus income tax returns during our most recent tax season, to our dedicated longer term Foster Grandparent volunteers who are working with children in our classrooms, our volunteers are invaluable to our ability to bring services and programs to those most in need.
Our deepest gratitude goes to these dedicated individuals who have made a significant impact on the people and communities that we support. We could not have accomplished the work we have without the countless hours our volunteers have given our agency this past year, dedicating their time, energy and talents to helping us fulfill our mission. Please be sure to visit our social media pages to see our individual volunteer spotlight posts.
There is much more information below which we hope you take time to read. Please feel free to reach out to me or any of our staff if you would like to learn more about our many programs.
Gratefully,
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Karen Frederick, CEO
Community Teamwork
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Crisis Transitional Housing Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Nick DiGiammo, Director of Youth Services and the Youth Services Team, Barbara Warren and the entire Housing and Homeless Services Division, Facilities, IT and everyone else who helped make the opening of Crisis Transitional Housing (CTHP) in Lowell a reality. A ribbon cutting and tour of the building took place this month. Some "housewarming" gifts were also received - including a PlayStation 5 from Connie Martin and the Energy and Community Resources Division.
The property is comprised of six spacious apartments, spanning 3 floors including an office for the program which includes 2 and 3-bedroom units.
Crisis Transitional Housing (CTHP) is a short-term, residential setting to support the most vulnerable young adults (YA) experiencing housing instability. The program aims to help participants exit homelessness quickly, into safe housing, in order to work on longer-term housing options. Our space will be comprised of 24/7 staffing, including Case Manager and Residential Counselors, providing accessible, inclusive and trauma-informed supports and wrap-around services.
The CTHP Manager is Takeya Faison, tfaison@commteam.org
For more information about Crisis Transitional Housing (CTHP) - Click Here.
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Pictured (L-R) ~ Youth Services Team:
Front: Barbara Warren, Aloni Cosey, Nyla Ojeda, Nicholas DiGiammo
Back: Megan Riley, Takeya Faison, Tichina Morrison, Socheata Mam, Chloe Politis, Ciara Ssekiziyivu, Luz Mateo, and Emily Butler
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) at CTI Breaks all Records | |
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CTI's VITA Program has broken all previous records by completing more than 800 Tax Returns this year. In a typical year, the VITA Program completes between 400 – 500 returns. The service is offered free of charge to residents who meet specific income requirements.
The Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is administered by Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) throughout the country, including Community Teamwork. It annually helps thousands of wage earners access millions of dollars in tax refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In Massachusetts, the CAA’s and other community-based organizations serve over 30,000 low-income taxpayers, helping them to access over $60 million in tax refunds. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the VITA program. Read more
Find out more about VITA's partnership with Manning Business Students:
Happy Returns: Business Students Put Tax Lessons to Good Use - UMass Manning Students Volunteer to Help Low-Income Community Members File Tax
WAY TO GO ERIC ROSARIO AND JACKYIE GONZALEZ!
(CTI's VITA team pictured above)
To learn more about this program, visit Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) - Community Teamwork (commteam.org)
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Fair Housing Program at CTI | |
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Everyone is entitled to housing without discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, family status, disability, and source of income are all prohibited.
The Fair Housing Program at CTI offers free Fair Housing trainings (virtually or in-person). Fair Housing is housing without discrimination. Tenant and advocate trainings focus on rights, self-advocacy and enforcement. Trainings for housing providers (landlords & property management) focus on rights and best practices. Every Thursday, the Fair Housing Program also hosts an open house where questions can be answered virtually.
To register for trainings visit: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommunityTeamwork1/FairHousingTrainingRegistration
CONTACT THE COMMUNITY TEAMWORK FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM
Contact us at (978) 654-5637 or fairhousing@commteam.org OR
visit www.commteam.org/fair-housing-program
Newsletters
TENANTS & HOMEBUYERS - Sign up HERE for our Newsletter/Resources
HOUSING PROVIDERS - Sign up HERE for our Newsletter/Resources
PSAs
PSA 1 (English, Spanish, Portuguese and Khmer)
PSA 2 (English, Spanish, Portuguese and Khmer)
View FHP videos and outreach materials:
https://www.commteam.org/fair-housing-program/videos-and-outreach-materials
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Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) | |
Let's talk about aging-in-place. Did you know the Massachusetts state-funded HMLP can help individuals stay in their own homes longer? The program offers 0% interest loans, with no monthly payments, so you can install a ramp, stair-lift or walk-in shower. #AginginPlace #HMLP #HMLP | |
Guidance for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Security Deposit program
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Effective September 1, 2023 (unless otherwise instructed by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), eligible households in the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities’ (EOHLC, formerly known as Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Housing Choice Voucher program and certain other voucher programs will be eligible for one-time security deposit assistance.
HCV Security Deposition Program Memo
Security Deposit Registration Form
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Calling all Housing Provider Partners -
Do you have and apartment to rent?
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Community Teamwork (CTI)’s Housing and Homeless Service Division is looking to immediately rent apartments in
Lowell, Tewksbury, Chelmsford and Dracut.
- 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom apartments are needed immediately.
- CTI is the “tenant” and we will place those in need referred to us by the State. These participants will receive supportive services.
- CTI pays security and the monthly rent, and is responsible for any damages caused by the participants.
- Apartments MUST be de-leaded and have an occupancy permit.
- 1-3 year lease options available.
If interested, please respond to aglaser@commteam.org - stating the address, # of bedrooms, rent requested, when it will be vacant, and length of desired lease.
You can also submit the form with the information about the apartment(s) you have available by clicking the link below:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommunityTeamwork1/VacantApartmentsCTI
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Did you know that as a WIC participant you are eligible for heating and gas assistance? Call your local office today to find out more information: 978.654.7199. WIC is good food and a whole lot more indeed! 45 Kirk Street, Lowell and Lowell Community Health Center.
www.commteam.org/program/women-infants-and-children-wic
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Now Taking Applications for
Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
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IMPORTANT UPDATES
Application Period Extended
With the extension of the winter shut-off moratorium by the Department of Public Utilities, HLC has extended the application period from April 30th to Friday, May 10th. Applications may be updated with any changes to household size or income through May 10th. The heating season remains November 1st through April 30th.
Also, there has been an increase in both the deliverables and utilities benefits. To learn more about this and other important extended deadlines, visit: www.commteam.org/low-income-home-energy-assistance-liheap
Brochures
English
Spanish
Khmer
Portuguese
Fuel Assistance Program
Call: 978.459.6161, Email: fuelassistance@commteam.org
Apply Online: www.commteam.org/fuel
Energy/Weatherization Program
Call: 978.654.4904, Email: energyprograms@commteam.org
45 Kirk Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell MA 01852
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Child & Family Services Newsletters | |
Thank You to our 2024 Newsletter Sponsor | |
There are ALWAYS Ways to Help | |
If you find yourself in a position to help, your contribution will aid our efforts on every front as we work together to care for our clients and families in their hour of greatest need, and emerge stronger than ever. | |
COMMUNITY TEAMWORK
978.459.0551
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