Aid for Those Experiencing Homelessness & More

November 15, 2022

A recent report detailed that throughout Connecticut there was an increase of 13% in overall homelessness from 2021 to 2022. In Fairfield County alone, the housing waitlists continue to grow and the choices for those with mobility issues is limited. 

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.

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.
 
COVID-19 UPDATE

As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), following is an update as of 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November  15, 2022:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of newly reported data on COVID-19 in Connecticut from the past 7 days.
 
Overall Summary Cumulative (except for hospital census) Past 7 days * Date Updated
Positive PCR/NAAT Tests 997,650 2222 11/15/2022
All PCR/NAAT Tests 15,758,098 31604 11/15/2022
Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)   7.03% 11/15/2022
Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19 339 -15 11/15/2022
COVID-19-Associated Deaths 11,549 21 11/15/2022
To read the full daily data report, visit data.ct.gov/coronavirus and click the button labeled, “Daily Data Report.” That website also contains several other data reports, including on the topics of vaccinations, schools, nursing homes, child care, congregate settings, and economic impact.
 

Military Family Appreciation Month
Spread the word for CT military families! The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children provides the highest quality education for military children, especially during times of relocation and deployment. You can learn more here: https://bit.ly/3NUKDGI
 

Native American Heritage Month
(Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)
DID YOU KNOW? ⬇️

🛣️ 60% of roads on Tribal lands are unpaved.

🚧 Tribal communities are disproportionately impacted by roadway fatalities.

🏘 Native Americans live in overcrowded housing at a rate higher than any other racial group.

📡 Native American workers fell behind during the height of the pandemic due to lack of necessary technology for remote work. 

The Biden/Harris administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law addresses not only these issues, but also access to clean water, climate action, and more.
 

Alzheimer's Awareness Month (CT Stats)
Right now, there are 80,000 people living with Alzheimer's disease in Connecticut and twice as many caregivers, many unpaid family members and friends. Not only is November Alzheimer's Awareness Month, it is also National Family Caregivers Month. Below are resources for those struggling with or supporting a loved on with Alzheimer's.

Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program: https://bit.ly/3tAm6x7
The Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter: www.alz.org/ct
 

Know Your History (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)
One year ago today, history was made! Here are SOME of the many wins in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: 

✅ No More Lead Pipes
✅ High-Speed Internet Access
✅ Better Roads and Bridges
✅ Investments in Public Transit
✅ Upgrade Airports and Ports
✅ Investment in Passenger Rail
✅ Network of Electric Vehicle Chargers
✅ Upgrade Power Infrastructure
✅ Resilient Infrastructure
✅ Investment in Environmental Remediation

Learn the many ways this historic legislation will help Connecticut here: https://bit.ly/3tsC50b

Ferguson Library EVENTS

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups
New! Evening Sessions Back in Person
Tuesday, November 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium
 
 
Tuesday, November 15 via Zoom
New students welcome for English-language conversation groups.
New Students: noon to 12:30 p.m.
Basic: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Low Intermediate: 2:30 p.m.
Advanced: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 16 via Zoom
High Intermediate: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Beginner: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
Easy English for Beginners: Side by Side (Part 2)
Monday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to noon
Thursday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to noon
Main Library, DiMattia Building Third Floor Technology Center
Learn language and life skills through reading, speaking and writing during this six-week interactive English course based on the Easy English TV program by Steven Molinsky and Bill Bliss. Registration Required.
 

Mah-Jongg Club
Wednesday, November 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch
Our Mah-Jongg Club is open to beginners, intermediate and experienced players.
Come play this game of strategy with us.

 
 

Introducing VetNow
Thursday, November 17 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center
VetNow is an online resource designed to help veterans and their families access local, state and federal benefits and transition to civilian life.
 

Romance Book Discussion
Thursday, November 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom
Main Library, DiMattia Building
A discussion of By the Book by Jasmine Guillory. Registration required.

 
 

Lawyers in Libraries
Thursday, November 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Second Floor Study Room
Discuss your case with a volunteer attorney. To book a required 20-minute appointment call 203 351-8221.
 
Supported by the Connecticut Bar Association.
 

Reflections on Haiti Past and Present
Friday, November 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.
South End Branch
Join renowned Haitian journalist,
historian, and political commentator
Michel Soukar for an evening
celebrating the 219th anniversary of the
Battle of Vertières. Professor Soukar
will offer commentary on Haitian history
and current events and take questions
from the audience.
Light refreshments and a book signing will follow. Registration required.
 

Fun with Line Dancing
Friday, November 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
South End Branch
Bring your friends to learn some popular line dancing moves. No prior dance experience necessary.

 
 

Introduction to Web Building: Drupal
Saturday, November 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center
Learn how to build a basic website, create and organize content using built-in tools, and modify the way your site looks with themes.
 
Registration required.
 

New! Local Author Series: Circumference of Silence by Jacquie Herz
Saturday, November 19 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Local author Jacquie Herz will discuss her book Circumference of Silence, a mother-daughter narrative based on a true story that begins in Nazi Germany and ends in present day New York City.
Registration required.
 

Old Folkies Acoustic Singalong
Saturday, November 19 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
An afternoon outdoors of toe-tapping, finger-snapping acoustic delights with Dr. Ev, who will take requests. Refreshments will be served. Weather permitting.