A Message From The Ferguson Library and the CT Fair Housing Center
April 30, 2021Below I have provided updates from the Ferguson Library and the CT Fair Housing Center.
Ferguson Library Update:
"South End Reopens Grand Opening May 22:
Stop by and visit our newly renovated South End Branch, located in the Lathon Wider Community Center. The space has a fresh new feel with an updated information desk, new carpet, and colorful, flexible furniture throughout. The project was generously funded by grants from the Stamford Rotary Club, First County Bank Foundation, CT Next, and general support from the community.
"Join us on May 22 from noon to 2:30 p.m. We look forward to greeting you!
"A Novel Affair Raises $228,000 for the Library:
Thanks to everyone who helped make A Novel Affair 2021 a success! We raised $228,000 to support library services and collections, and we couldn’t have done it without all of you.
"Thank you to our generous sponsors, cocktail kit purchasers, auction donors and everyone who tuned into the event to support the library. We look forward to returning to an in-person event next year!
"If you missed the show, you can watch it on our YouTube channel.
"Friends Author Series Chris Bohjalian May 20:
We’re thrilled to host bestselling author Chris Bohjalian Thursday, May 20 at 6 p.m. This virtual author event is presented by the Friends in partnership with Darien Library. Chris Bohjalian will talk about his newest book, Hour of the Witch, set in 17th century New England on the eve of the Salem Witch Trials. It’s a timely historical novel about love, fear, feminine power, and the distrust of those in positions of power. In conversation with Cristina Alger, author of Girls Like Us. Registration required. Register.
"The Joe R. Sexton Lecture Series May 13:
We are pleased to host Maurice Isserman, Author of The Winter Army: The World War II Odyssey of the 10th Mountain Division, America's Elite Alpine WarriorsThursday, May 13 at 6 p.m.
"Maurice Isserman is the author of 10 books on a variety of topics, including three books on the history of mountaineering: Fallen Giants, Continental Divide, and The Winter Army. Registration required. Register. The Joe R. Sexton Lecture Series is generously funded with a gift from a friend. The program will be presented via Zoom.
"Teen Raises Money for the Library:
Westhill High School sophomore Dharana Alilaikannan (center) raised $260 for the library through a coding class she offered during spring break. She and her sister, Tanisha, a seventh grader at Scofield Magnet Middle School (left), have been avid library users since they were small. Dharana presented the donation to teen librarian Steve Zampino."
CT Fair Housing Center Update:
"Applying for UniteCT/advice for completing an application:
UniteCT’s emergency rental and utilities assistance is available for individuals with a household income at or below 80% of AMI who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications must be made on-line. A list of the documents which must be included with an application can be found here. Visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/UniteCT to apply or call 1-844-864-8328 to get a referral to a community agency who may be able to assist tenants and landlords in applying.
"The Department of Housing (DOH) has stated tenants who have housing subsidies should continue to apply and seek assistance through the appeal process.
"Tenants denied assistance from UniteCT will receive notice with instructions on how to appeal the denial. A tenant has 14 days from the date of denial to appeal by sending an email to unitectappeal@ct.gov stating the reason for the appeal.
"All landlords and tenants should apply for UniteCT to ensure that they receive the assistance they need to stay in their homes and have all eligible rental arrearages paid.
"DOH has stated that it will meet with landlords to convince them to accept UniteCT rental payments even if the landlord states they will not participate in the program. Email DOH at doh-unitect@ct.gov if your landlord refuses to participate in the program.
"Tenants who have not received a confirmation email once their application is submitted should email: doh-unitect@ct.gov or call 1-844-864-8328.
"Landlords who have not received a confirmation email once their application is submitted should email: doh-unitect@ct.gov or call 1-844-864-8328.
"Problems encountered by UniteCT applicants:
UniteCT guidelines state that applicants are ineligible if the person applying is currently receiving other federal or state housing assistance such as a housing choice voucher or is living in public housing. In Connecticut, this means that tenants who were unable to pay their portion of the rent due to the COVID-19 economic shut down do not qualify. Treasury Department guidance states that tenants who are not receiving or do not anticipate receiving another source of public or private subsidy for the rental arrearage are eligible to receive emergency rental assistance.
"Eviction and foreclosure moratoriums extended:
Connecticut’s temporary ban on evictions will be in place through May 20, 2021. This means that your landlord cannot start a new eviction case against you until May 21, 2021, with some important exceptions. Review our fact sheet on the exceptions and make sure to respond to any eviction papers you receive. More information about the eviction process is available here.
"Help for tenants:
Visit the Center’s website for fact sheets on the Connecticut and CDC eviction bans and available rental assistance programs. FAQs about evictions, rental assistance, and housing discrimination during the Covid-19 pandemic are also available.
"Mortgage Foreclosure:
The Center will continue to publish any recent news on foreclosure activity in Connecticut. For news and data previously published, please visit our website.
"Help for homeowners:
Foreclosure advice: The Center is holding Foreclosure Advice Virtual Sessions. Homeowners facing foreclosure can sign up for advice sessions over video or phone. These Sessions are in addition to the considerable number of videos and materials available at www.ctfairhousing.org.
"Additional resources:
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FAIR HOUSING RIGHTS IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, MANDARIN, VIETNAMESE, FARSI, RUSSIAN, ITALIAN, KREYOL, ARABIC, KHMER, AND TAGALOG.
"Outreach:
To schedule trainings on COVID-19 protections for tenants, foreclosure prevention, fair housing or constituent outreach please contact Rashida Rattray, at rrattray@ctfairhousing.org"