“This is an opportunity for our students to provide more for their families, for our students who may not have access to the resources that others do. It’s a blessing for the students who need that support.” Randall Ward, Director of Student Services, Capital Community College in Hartford
This page lists information about free or reduced cost community resources and services. If you would like to receive our monthly Community Resources newsletter, subscribe here. View past editions of the newsletter here.
Featured Services
Connecticut Foodshare State-wide Mobile Pantry Locator
Connecticut Foodshare’s texting tool is now available state-wide. Simply text FOODSHARE to 85511 to opt-in. Users will be prompted to answer a few simple questions and then will be given information on location, date, time, and frequency of Connecticut Foodshare Mobile Pantry distributions nearby.
Starting Monday, October 2, 2023, all Connecticut residents can sign-up for a prescription discount card at ArrayRxCard.com. Connecticut is the fourth state, in addition to Washington, Oregon, and Nevada, to offer this program. Residents can sign-up regardless of age or income and can expect to save an average 20% on brand-name prescription and 80% on generic drugs. ArrayRx Discount Card is a digital program and requires an email address to enroll. You can print the card to show the pharmacy or show it on your smartphone. Click here for answers to FAQs.
ArrayRx is aimed at three groups: people on high-deductible health plans, people who are uninsured, and people on Medicare whose prescriptions are not covered. ArrayRx can not be used with insurance, rather it may offer lower prices than insurance provides. Spanish enrollment form available here. For other languages call 800-913-4146.
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*NEW*Free Covid Tests
The federal government is providing another round of free COVID-19 tests. Each residential address can order a set of 4 tests. Orders will be accepted starting September 25, 2023. Use this link to order your free tests.If you have at home tests that have past their expiration dates, do not throw them out yet! Some tests have an updated expiration date: check here.
Prosperi-key: Save on Everyday Essentials
Prosperi-key is a Groupon-like project developed by United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut that can help folks save on everyday essentials and gather financial, healthful eating, and childcare resources. Prosperi-Key, is a one stop, online shop that allows users to access deals, discounts, resources, and more to help make life more affordable. Individuals register for an account at prosperikey.org and go through a brief income verification process. Once users are income-qualified, they become Key Members and can access services from nonprofits and businesses that are local to them. It is the only platform to income-qualify users in the ALICE income bracket, all through a friendly, confidential, and fast process. For more information, visit www.prosperikey.org.
Income-Driven Student Loan Repayment Plan
The Biden-Harris Administration announced the official launch of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan– the most affordable repayment plan ever created. According to the administration, “the SAVE plan is an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan that calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size – not their loan balance – and forgives remaining balances after a certain number of years. The SAVE plan will cut many borrowers’ monthly payments to zero, will save other borrowers around $1,000 per year, will prevent balances from growing because of unpaid interest, and will get more borrowers closer to forgiveness faster.” Learn more and apply here.
Depending on your repayment goals and income, this may not be the best loan repayment program for you. Check out the loan simulator tool on the Federal Student Aid website to compare repayment options and choose the best one for you.
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UConn Cook and Chat: Free Virtual Cooking Classes
If you are looking for healthy recipe inspiration or want to be more organized in the kitchen, sign-up for UConn’s virtual Cook and Chat series! This program is free for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. View the English flyer here and the Spanish flyer here.
UConn’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) hosts a virtual cooking course in English and Spanish each Fall and Spring. In Fall 2023, the 12-part class will take place every Wednesday evening starting on September 20 (excluding November 22) and ending on December 13. It will cover topics such as kitchen organization, prioritizing healthy choices, meal prep basics, and creating menus to save money. Participants can earn kitchen supplies like a slow cooker, family toolbox, kitchen organizer, and/or immersion blender by attending a certain amount of classes. If you have any questions reach out to Heather Pease at heather.pease@uconn.edu or Angela Caldera at angela.caldera@uconn.edu. Register here.
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Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program
The Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program is a free job training resource to Connecticut residents who have a mortgage that is 60 or more days past due for their primary residence. The program aims to enhance job skills by improving earning potential and providing the ability to sustain a mortgage with affordable monthly payments. To be eligible, participants must be a homeowner, 60 days or more past due on a mortgage for their primary residence in Connecticut, demonstrate an imminent need for program services, and be unemployed, underemployed or in need of a second job. This program is part of the American Job Center Network (AJC), a collaboration of local, regional, and state organizations that trains workers, regardless of employment status, and assists businesses in finding talent. Click to view flyers in English and Spanish. Click here to learn more and apply.
The program offers virtual services to:
Assess your situation then learn about resources and supports available to you
Access financial and credit counseling workshops
Identify skills needed to advance in a career or transition to a new occupation
Assistance with your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills
Employment search support
No-cost Job training scholarships that lead to certification or licensure
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Career ConneCT
The State of Connecticut has launched a new job training program, Career ConneCT. This no cost program offers 4 to 24 week training programs for recognized industry credentials in fields including: manufacturing, health care, life sciences, information technology, financial services, business services, and clean energy.
The program is tailored to support participants by providing services for their family during training, such as childcare, transportation, food, housing, technology, benefits counseling, stipends, and more. Eligible participants will also receive case management and job placement support.
Employers have committed to hiring trainees for 6,000 positions. Trainings are offered on a rolling basis online and in person, as well as during the day and at night.
To be eligible for this program trainees must be authorized to work in the United States and be either unemployed or underemployed. If you are unemployed or have questions about what it means to be underemployed, you are encouraged to create an account in the portal and speak to a case manager or contact Career ConneCT. The program is flexible and can help you determine if you qualify. If you reside in a neighboring state like Massachusetts or New York and would like to work in Connecticut, you may be eligible as well.
Eligible households (financial hardship) are protected against heat AND non-heat source shut offs between 11/1/2022 and 5/1/2024. The program that usually runs each year between 11/1 and 5/1, yet has been extended to include the period between 5/1/2023 and 11/1/2023. This protection is guaranteed for all eligible electric customers by Connecticut Statute and cannot be denied, regardless of shut offs, nonpayment, or any other reason. There is no minimum amount that must be paid before a household will be turned back on at the beginning of the moratorium period.
Utility customers with an income of 60% of the state median income are eligible.
The Winter Protection Program will then be in place from November 1, 2023 to May 1, 2024. Therefore, eligible households are protected from utility shut offs until May 1, 2024.
Call our SNAP Outreach Team to set an appointment to apply for SNAP benefits. We can take your application over the phone in about 30 minutes. Call 860-856-HELP (4357) or click HERE for more details. This federally funded program can provide a way to help pay for food at your local grocer and online using a debit type card.
Access Health CT
Apply for health insurance coverage by contacting Access Health CT at 855-805-4325 or visiting them at accesshealthct.com. Access Health CT is the official health insurance marketplace of Connecticut, where you can shop, compare, and enroll in quality health and dental plans. It is also the only place where you can qualify for financial help to lower your costs, and if eligible, enroll in no- or low-cost coverage through HUSKY Health Programs (Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)) or the Covered Connecticut Program.
HUSKY Health Renewals
HUSKY Health renewals are coming soon! Read the message from the Department of Social Services:
A federal rule allowed DSS to continue HUSKY Health insurance for most individuals during the pandemic. This rule will change in March 2023, and DSS will resume the regular HUSKY Health eligibility process by giving all HUSKY Health members a chance to renew their coverage. Renewals will be spread over a 12-month period, so make sure to renew when notified. When it is time to renew, HUSKY Health members will receive a notice that:
Their HUSKY coverage is being renewed automatically; OR
DSS was unable to automatically renew their coverage and information is needed to check if they are still eligible. A renewal form will be included.
HUSKY Health members will receive a renewal notice about 45 days before coverage is due to close. It is important to reply promptly to any mail from DSS or Access Health CT. Updated contact information can be provided online or by phone: ct.gov/UpdateUsDSS, Access Health CT: 855-805-4325, or DSS:855-626-6632.
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Connecticut Paid Leave Program
Connecticut Paid Leave (CTPL) provides eligible Connecticut workers the opportunity to take time to attend to personal and family health needs without worrying about lost income. For employers, CTPL provides the tools and resources to promote a healthy, vibrant and inclusive workplace.
Workers can take paid leave to address:
Caring for your own or a loved one’s health condition
Growing your family through adoption, birth or foster care
Addressing issues arising from family violence
Caring for a family member injured during active duty or for military exigency leave
Eligiblity Requirements:
You meet CTPL’s minimum earning requirements
You are or were employed by a covered employer in the past 12 weeks
If you work for more than one employer, your wages can be combined
Wages may include salary, vacation pay, holiday pay, tips, commissions and severance
Click here for a bilingual informational flyer and click here for a bilingual flyer comparing Connecticut Paid Leave (CTPL) and CT Family and Medical Leave (CTFMLA).
Receive Financial Support if You Care for a Loved One at Home
If you care for a loved one at home, you may be eligible to receive tax-free compensation. The Adult Family Living Program (AFL), which falls under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, pays friends and relatives to care for their loved ones at home and is available at no cost to those on Medicaid/State Insurance. Spouses are not eligible caregivers.
AFL aims to bring care into the homes of elderly individuals as opposed to moving to assisted living facilities. Benefits are provided for the care giver and for individuals in need of care. Care givers receive training, oversight, and support from an intermediary agency as well as tax-free compensation, up to $500 a week, based on level of care needed. Agencies deduct a co-pay for their support. In addition to being cared for by someone they are comfortable with, care recipients receive assistance with day-to-day activities, meal preparation, personal care, dressing, mobility, transportation, and more.
Eligibility requires that the applicant is age 65 or older, a Connecticut resident, and meets the financial and functional needs for care.
Accredited home care agencies administer AFL. Individuals can apply to this program through their local home care agency. Search “Adult Family Living” and your location on 2-1-1 to find an agency near you.
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Free Health Support for New Families(Healthy Start)
Family Wellness Healthy Start is a free program that supports women before, during, and after pregnancy and aims to eliminate disparities in maternal health. Healthy Start Care Coordinators provide access to health and social services, such as:
Screen parents and babies for health risks and connect them to resources
Assist in scheduling prenatal, postpartum, well-woman, and well-child visits until the baby is 18 months
Educate on healthy pregnancy, infant care, parenting, and other needs
Connect to HUSKY, WIC, food, housing, counseling, maternity needs, and more
Healthy Care Coordinators are also there before, during, and after pregnancy:
Before Pregnancy
Family Planning
Screening for chronic diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure
Well-woman care
Insurance enrollment assistance
During Pregnancy
Prenatal care
Nutrition Counseling
Childbirth Education
Smoking cessation
Partner Involvement
After Pregnancy
Postpartum care
Breastfeeding, safe sleep, and parenting support
Depression screening and follow-up
Well-baby care and vaccinations
Fathers and/or partners can be enrolled in the Fatherhood initiative to take part in the family planning, reproductive education, and parenting support services.
The Healthy Start program has two names, which may cause confusion. To clarify, Family Wellness Healthy Start is the name of the specific program serving Hartford and New Britain which addresses increased disparities in the region. Other Healthy Start programs provide the same services and are available across the state.
Click here to visit the 211 listing for Healthy Start and how to find providers.
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Internet Service and Device Discounts
Receive discounts on Internet service and devices through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You may be eligible if your income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you participate in government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs (such as Lifeline). Go to acpbenefit.orgfor more eligibility and benefits information and to enroll. Click here for a flyer.
Eviction Prevention
Qualifying households can take advantage of the Eviction Prevention Program. Click here to view more information about the program.
Tenants who are in the process of being evicted may qualify for up to $5,000 in a one-time rental assistance payment to cover their rental debts. The tenant can call (1-844-864-8328) to schedule an appointment at the UniteCT Resource Center for help filling out the application. If approved, the check will be mailed directly to the landlord. Tenants may not complete an application on their own without the assistance of a Resource Center staff.
FEMA is helping to cover the cost of COVID-19 funeral expenses up to $9,000. You must apply with the assistance of FEMA representative by calling844-684-6333 toll-free between 9:00am and 9:00pm.
Eligibility requirements according to FEMA:
you are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
the death occurred in the United States, including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia;
the death was attributed to COVID-19; and
you are responsible for the eligible funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020
For information on receiving prescription discount card call 800-222-2818 or visit familywize.org.
Free Community College
If you graduated from a Connecticut High school (GED or home schooled also) and are a first-time, full-time college student, you may qualify for Free Community College in Connecticut. Visit ct.edu/pactto learn more.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. PSLF forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. To learn more about the PSLF Program and to see if you qualify. Go to studentaid.gov/for more information.
Employment Services
Contact an American Job Center for services such as job search assistance, resume writing advice and workshops at portal.ct.gov/ajc,or find out how to file for unemployment benefitsat portal.ct.gov/DOLUI . For more information call CTDOL at the Consumer Contact Center at 860-967-0493, 203-941-6868, or Toll-Free 800-956-3294 from 8:00am to 5:00pm Mon-Fri and 8:00am to 3:00pm Sat (excluding holidays).
211
For information on community services, such as locations of local food pantries, Mobile Connecticut Foodshare trucks, emergency housing, rent or mortgage payment assistance, how to apply for energy assistance, and how to get help with mental health or substance issues, contact INFOLINE by dialing 211 or go to 211ct.org.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
If you have children under 5 years old, or you are expecting, find your local WIC officeonline at portal.ct.gov/DPH/WIC/WICor at 211ct.org. The program provides advice from nutritionists, and an EBT card to help buy healthy foods for expecting women, your child, and breastfeeding mothers. You can also call 211 for more information.
USDA Nutrition Materials
Visit snaped.fns.usda.govto find information seasonal produce guides, food safety, healthy thrifty holiday menus, nutrition education materials, meal prepping, recipes, and more.
Legal services
If you need legal assistance for civil issues, you can call toll free to the Statewide Legal Services of CT, Inc. office to seek free legal help. Client Hotline: 800-453-3320 or visit slsct.org.
Free income tax return preparation
To locate a free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax clinic, and meet with an IRS-certified volunteer, call 800-906-9887 for a location near you. Or use United Way’s free or reduced-fee tax preparation website: MyFreeTaxes.com
Free Smoke Alarms
You can receive free smoke alarms from the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. Call 1-877-287-3327 or visit redcross.org/ct/schedule-a-visit to schedule an in-home visit.
Visit the Department of Housing website to learn about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and other housing assistance programs. Use this site cthcvp.org/to access current availability or to be notified when waiting lists reopen.
The Branford Rotary Club has created a recipe book of 30-minute meals using Branford Food Pantry ingredients. Click here to view the online version of “What’s for Dinner?”. Read more about how the cookbook was created, here.
HUSKY
HUSKY health coverage for children has expanded to include non-citizen children 0-12 years old. To apply, call Access Health CT at 1‐855‐805‐4325.Uninsured children ages 0-12 with household income between 0-323% of the Federal Poverty Level and no qualifying immigration status will now be covered under State HUSKY A and State HUSKY B for Children. This program covers children who do not qualify for regular HUSKY A Medicaid or HUSKY B CHIP coverage.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detectionprovides screening services for residents of any gender identity who currently have, or have ever had, breasts or a cervix.
WISEWOMAN provides services to reduce the risk of heart disease and promote a heart-healthy life-style for women ages 40-65. Interventions include blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol and blood glucose testing, health coaching, diet and nutrition support, gym memberships, Yoga & Zumba fitness classes, community gardens, and medication therapy management.
The Colorectal Cancer Program covers diagnostic colonoscopies or follow up colonoscopies to remove polyps and other abnormal lesions. Polyps are growths that can turn into cancer if they are not removed.
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Care 4 Kids
Care 4 Kids has temporarily expanded child care assistance to families with income up to 60% of the state median income. Previously the limit was 50% of the state median income. Care 4 Kids is a program sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Early Education to help moderate to low-income families pay for child care. Click here to view income limits based on family size. Click here to use the eligibility screening tool and apply.
Support Resources for Mental Health, Crime Victims, and Families
Many Connecticut residents struggling with food insecurity may also be victims of crime or in need of temporary financial assistance and case management services. Others may have children who are at risk for mental health issues. The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies (CCFSA) is the premier statewide network of non-profit organizations that work to strengthen families in Connecticut. Through programs they administer, CCFSA is able to help over 100,000 families with support annually. For more information about the programs provided by CCFSA, visit ctfsa.org/ and view the pamphlet here. CCFSA and its member agencies offer the following programs:
The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Case Management Programis for families receiving cash assistance from the state and approaching the end of their benefits that may need help achieving self-sufficiency. Case managers identify and help families overcome barriers to success. Learn more about TANF or self-refer to the program here.
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Case Management Program links victims of certain crimes to case managers that can help with advocacy, support, access to services, and assistance with the Victims Compensation process. All services are free and based on what the victimization dictates. A self-referral form is available.
The Screening Connecticut’s Youth (SCY) Program is a new approach to early detection of mental health challenges or trauma-related issues in children between the ages of 4 and 17. Families are offered a brief mental health screening and then provided with access to behavioral health services if needed. To refer a child for a free screening, complete this form.
The Parenting Education Program (PEP) is a court-mandated, 6-hour class for families going through a divorce or separation. The curriculum helps participants navigate co-parenting with a focus on what is best for their child(ren). To learn more about PEP, including a calendar of in-person and virtual classes across the state, click here.
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Non-Citizen resources
The USDA has released a resources page for non-citizens and their families. The page provides information on how non-citizens and their families can access programs like SNAP, WIC, school meals, summer meals, and the child and adult care food program. Use this page to find information on eligibility.
Services Available if you are a Senior and/or have a Disability
Senior Resources and Programs
For information on programs and resources for seniors such as healthy living workshops, memory care options, and other support services, contact North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA) at 800-994-9422 or visit ncaaact.org
State Department of Aging and Disability Services
For programs and services coordinated with the Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services, call 860-424-5055 or TTY 860-247-0775, or go to portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability
Online resource for seniors and people with disabilities
Visit My Place CT at myplacect.org/to find information about resources for in-home care, help with transportation, meals and groceries, or options for independent and assisted living.
Transportation services for people with disabilities
For information contact Connecticut ADA Paratransit Resource Center at 203-365-8522 ext. 2061 or at ctada.com.
Family Support, Employment Vocational, and In-Home Services Waivers
Those on Medicaid can enroll in Home and Community Based (HCBS) waivers through the Department of Developmental Services to increase the level of support they receive. These waivers provide support services such as employment vocational, in-home, and family support for those who live at home or in licensed settings. View this flyer for more information.
Information and Services Available to you once you are Approved for SNAP Benefits
Access your Dept. of Social Services (DSS) account anywhere, anytime with MyDSS!
Go to mydss.ct.govto save a shortcut on your device and to learn more about what you can do with MyDSS.
EBT Management App
Download the Providers app(formerly named Fresh EBT) for your smartphone. You can access up to the minute SNAP Benefit balance and spending history, discount coupons, mobile banking, benefit updates, stores that accept EBT, and you can sign up for a free debit account. Providers Card is a Mastercard debit card that you can use for everyday shopping, bills, savings, online transactions, etc. For more information about the Providers debit card click here. To download the app go to the iPhone App Store or Google Play store.
School Nutrition Programs
As a recipient of SNAP benefits, any children in your household attending grades K-12 automatically qualify for free meals through their school. Contact your child’s school for additional details on this benefit or go to portal.ct.gov/SDE/Nutrition/School-Nutrition-Programsfor more information.
Find local stores that accept SNAP
Visit fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locatorand click on “Enter the SNAP Retailer Locator” to search for locations. Many Farmer’s Markets also accept EBT cards, and some will even double your SNAP Benefits. Check with your local Farmer’s Market when you arrive.
You can qualify for a free cell phone. Please contact one of the following carriers for details: SafeLink (800-723-3546); Access Wireless (888-900-5899); Assurance Wireless (888-898-4888); Life Wireless (888-543-3620).
SNAP Employment & Training
CT Pathwaysis a work program through the Dept. of Social Services (DSS) designed to help SNAP recipients gain skills that will help increase self-sufficiency. If you are receiving SNAP in Connecticut and not receiving money from the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program, you may be eligible to participate in CT Pathways, a skills-based program that provides short- term vocational programs at community colleges and community-based organizations. To get started, please contact any of the CT Pathways providers listed below:
Community College Providers
School
City
Phone
Asnuntuck
Enfield
860-253-3082
Capital
Hartford
860-906-5029
Gateway
New Haven
203-285-2300
Housatonic
Bridgeport
203-332-5057
Manchester
Manchester
860-512-2827
Middlesex
Middletown
860-343-5716
Naugatuck
Waterbury/Danbury
203-575-8166
Northwestern CT
Winsted
860-738-6419
Norwalk
Norwalk
203-857-7059
Quinebaug
Danielsen
860-932-4005
Three Rivers
Norwich
860-215-9028
Tunxis
Farmington
860-773-1454
All of these organizations have agreements with DSS to help eligible SNAP recipients gain the skills they need to find employment in the current job market. All do their own recruiting and will be happy to discuss their programs with Connecticut SNAP recipients. You do not need to live in the town where the services are provided, and you can get started at any location.