July
2020
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Connecticut’s Temporary Housing Assistance Initiatives 
A Message from Richard Porth
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut  
Earlier this month, the State of Connecticut, Connecticut Department of Housing and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) announced two, temporary housing assistance initiatives designed to help renters and home owners pay their rent and mortgage.

Tenant Rental Housing Assistance Program (TRHAP): 

The Department of Housing’s rental assistance program began accepting applications on July 15. To apply for assistance, call 1-860-785-3111 . For more information about the program, click HERE . To read the Center’s fact sheet about the program, click HERE .



Temporary Mortgage Assistance Program (T-MAP):  

CHFA’s program to assist homeowners who are unable to pay their mortgage as the result of income loss due to COVID-19 began accepting applications on July 15. To apply for assistance, call 1-860-785-3111 . For more information about the program, click HERE .


Staying connected to coronavirus-related information and help that is available can be challenging. If you need help navigating available assistance, connecting with community-based programs, and just generally finding help, check out 2-1-1 Connecticut's COVID-19 Online Resource Guide . 
Free Summer Meals For Kids 18 and Under Across Connecticut  
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program, is a federally funded, state-administered program that provides free, nutritious meals to kids during summer break.

Summer Meals meet federal nutrition guidelines and are composed of milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat or another protein. Summer Meals are offered at over 500 sites around the state from June to late August, serving combinations of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Meals are free to any child age 18-and-under.

Text CTMeals to 877877 or use the meal site map to find information about meal sites near you: www.CTSummerMeals.org
Operation Fuel
Operation Fuel is a private charitable program that may be able to provide cash assistance for utility expenses for households in Connecticut with incomes at or below 75% of the State Median Income guidelines who are in crisis. Operation Fuel partners with local government and community-based organizations throughout Connecticut to ensure that families in need have access to year-round energy assistance.

Operation Fuel intake sites are currently accepting applications for gas and electric utilities assistance. In order to apply for Operation Fuel assistance, you must submit an application to your local fuel bank. To find the fuel bank that serves your town click HERE or dial 2-1-1 to speak with a Contact Specialist.

For more information on Operation Fuel, visit www.operationfuel.org

Stay Cool While Conserving Energy
Staying cool during the hot summer months often requires an increased reliance on fans and air conditioning. Energize CT offers a quick list of tips on how to conserve energy and keep energy bills down while staying cool this summer.

You can reduce your energy use and save money, starting with no-cost and low-cost suggestions such as:

  • On cool nights, try opening your windows rather than running your air conditioning unit.
  • Use ceiling or portable fans in place of room air conditioners.
  • When possible, locate your air conditioner in the shade. Direct sunlight on a window air-conditioning unit increases its workload.
  • Consider installing an appliance timer to minimize running your air conditioner when you are not home.

Visit EnergizeCT.com for a complete list of money and energy saving tips.
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.
Join our Mailing List