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Dear Neighbor,
A recent report detailed that throughout Connecticut there was an increase of 13% in overall homelessness from 2021 to 2022.
My legislative colleagues and I are actively working on solutions ahead of the upcoming winter season. Most recently, as part of the state budget adjustment passed during the 2022 legislative session, we included $5 million for the Connecticut Department of Housing (CTDOH) for eviction prevention. The funding will be divided as follows:
- $2 million for Project Longevity housing vouchers to be issued in Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport and New Haven
- $1.5 million for the Rent Bank
- $1.5 million for the state’s seven regional Coordinated Access Networks, which is nearly triple the appropriation from the previous two years
CTDOH and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) recently announced the release of nearly $8.5 million in additional aid to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services like housing, food, and mental health services.
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This includes:
- $5 million from CTDOH to support seasonal shelters and services throughout the homeless service system during the winter
- $2.5 million from CTDOH to develop new hubs within Coordinated Access Networks that supports the hiring of more staff, ensuring flexible financial assistance is available, and technological upgrades can be supported
- $500,000 from CTDOH for the United Way of Connecticut to increase staffing at 2-1-1
- $475,000 from DMHAS for the United Way of Connecticut to support costs related to the complex needs of unsheltered individuals and families during periods of extreme cold weather
Anyone who is experiencing homelessness or is at imminent risk of homelessness should call 2-1-1 to get connected to available resources.
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Forum: Serving the Latino Diaspora
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I was proud to participate in a joint forum of state legislators and Latin American and Caribbean consular representatives for state lawmakers to learn about the diplomatic services available to their Latino constituents and to foster a closer collaboration between legislators and the consuls that are serving these overlapping constituencies.
We have a growing number of constituents from Latin America and Caribbean countries throughout our districts and this historic event will allow for a closer working relationship since in many instances we are serving the same constituents.
The event was attended by consular representatives from several countries including El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and a representative working on lifting the embargo on Cuba provided an update on those efforts.
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This was an excellent opportunity to collaborate with all of the consular professionals that provide services to many people that often do not know where to go for help. This event was a great start to what I hope will be a greater collaboration between our offices and the consuls serving these diverse communities.
Watch the whole forum here.
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Veterans Advisory Committee at the New London Senior Center
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I enjoyed meeting and speaking at the Veterans Advisory Committee at New London Senior Center. It was great to meet with fellow veterans and community members who came out to celebrate and honor their sacrifice and service for our country.
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Visit to the Regional Multicultural Magnet School
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Big "Shout It Out" to our amazing Young Engineers at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School. They gave us great ideas and solutions on wind turbines. Thank you to Project O for the creation of such great curriculum!
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Visit to Southern Connecticut Robotic Inc.
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A big “Shout Out” to the Southern Connecticut Robotic Inc. for a great event this past weekend! I had the privilege of meeting with several young robotic engineers. The kids participate in programming that gives them access to technology in a safe space that encourages them that their dream careers in STEM fields can become reality.
To learn more about Southern Connecticut Robotic Inc., click here or call (860) 876-2271.
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Women's Business Development Council Equity Match Grants
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Big thanks to Women's Business Development Council for the continued celebration and visits for the Equity Match Grants in Southeastern, CT. This week, there were visits to Kristin O'Connor, owner of Elevate Healing Arts in Cromwell and Amy Anderson Moncy, Owner of Talk and Play, LLC in New London.
Thanks also to Mayor Passero and Economic Development Coordinator Elizabeth Nocerra, for joining in at Talk and Play, in New London, CT on Bayonett St.
Keep in mind: While the next round of Equity Match Grants won’t be opening until early next year, we encourage all New London based businesses to check out the New London/WBDC Grant Program go to: https://ctwbdc.org/new-london-wbdc-small-business-grant-program/ to learn more about the eligibility requirements.
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Grand Opening of Tusker's
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I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting of Tusker's – a new edition to Jasmine Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar in New London. The atmosphere and décor is just as amazing as the food. Be sure to check it out!
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Congratulations Connecticut College Women's and Men's Athletics!
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I'd like to extend a big congratulations to Connecticut College athletes as they are about to head into a big week! For the first time, the Men's Cross Country team has qualified for the NCAA Championships. And, two amazing young woman, Julia Curran, and Lauren Hino, will represent the women's team.
The event begins November 19 in Lansing, Michigan.
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I’d also like to give a “Shout It Out” to the Connecticut College Men’s Basketball team for taking down Purchase 78-36 to win the season opener.
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New London Police Department Youth Citizens' Police Academy
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New London Police Department is accepting applications for its free Youth Citizens’ Police Academy program starting in the new year. The program is designed to provide youth ages 13-17 with a close-up look at law enforcement. The free 10-week program runs from Jan. 11 through March 22 and is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for more information.
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Join FRESH New London on Saturday, November 19, 12PM-2PM at All Souls Church for a special mapping showcase to celebrate the end of their fall youth program. Enjoy a map showcase/gallery walk, a presentation of student findings, a review of how FRESH has bridged obvious gaps in our local food system in 2022, and more! Learn more by clicking here.
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New London Public Schools is inviting you to the NLHS Multi-Magnet Campus a night to showcase the Middle and High School Students on December 1 from 5:30PM-7PM. Come explore the three magnet pathways (STEM, Arts, and International Education) and learn about the great offerings NLPS has for students.
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An Evening with Tuskegee Airmen
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The New England Air Museum is presenting a rare opportunity to spend an evening with three Tuskegee Airmen sharing stories from their service as the first African American fighter pilots during WWII. Listen to the stories of Ret. Lt. Col. Enoch Woodhouse, Ret. Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, and Ret. Lt. Col. George Hardy following a cocktail reception on Saturday, November 19, 5:30PM-8PM at the museum in Windsor Locks.
Learn more and buy tickets by clicking here.
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New London Social Security Office Relocating
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The New London Social Security office will relocate to its new location at 6 Shaw’s Cove Park, Room 205, New London, CT 06320 on Monday, November 21. Business operations at the current location (2 Shaw’s Cove Park) will end at close of business Friday, November 18.
Most Social Security services are available to the public online at www.socialsecurity.gov with a “my Social Security” account, by telephone, or via in-person appointments for limited, critical situations.
Many Social Security services are also conveniently available by dialing toll-free, 1-800-772-1213. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative
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