Resources for Flood Victims & UConn Waterbury Small Business Walking Tour

September 12, 2024

The state is asking the federal government to help foot the bill for the cleanup and recovery stemming from historic flooding in August. Read below to learn more about the governor's formal request and about the available resources for storm victims.

UConn Waterbury students visited a number of wonderful small downtown businesses. Keep scrolling to learn about the new partnership between the university and nearby stores.

It's Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and we all want to help those who are struggling. Call 988 if you need immediate assistance. Please read below if you need advice on how to help a loved one in crisis.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Resources for Victims of Historic Flooding
  • UConn Waterbury Small Business Walking Tour
  • Suicide Prevention Awareness Week
  • Remembering 9/11
  • Transit-Try It Day in Waterbury
 
Resources for Victims of Historic Flooding
Governor Ned Lamont submitted a formal request to President Joe Biden for a major disaster declaration to secure funding after last month’s historic flooding. If granted, homeowners, businesses, state, and local governments would receive federal funding for cleanup and repairs. FEMA’s preliminary damage assessment determined the storm destroyed 19 homes, which is unprecedented in Connecticut.

As we wait for the feds to respond, the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has set up an entire webpage dedicated to assisting flood victims. The site contains a consolidated list of resources and links including:

  • An application for unemployment compensation for individuals who are out of work or had hours reduced due to the flooding
  • A flood resource guide
  • A storm water coverage and flood insurance fact sheet
Assistance for Flood Victims
My thoughts are with everyone dealing with this devastating flooding. In this time of immense difficulty, I wish for strength and resilience for all those affected.
 
UConn Waterbury Small Business Walking Tour
It was a pleasure to join UConn Waterbury students as they discovered the downtown area on a small business walking tour. We learned that some of the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that we visited will offer those students up to a 15% discount when they shop there. It’s a big deal because students will get exposure to our great stores. I would like to thank UConn Waterbury Campus Dean & Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Fumiko Hoeft, who played a large role in this partnership.
Dr. Fumiko Hoeft helps students during walking tour.
 
Suicide Prevention Awareness Week

It’s National Suicide Prevention Week, and we’re all on a mission to eliminate barriers in crisis care access. All of us can help reduce the risk for suicide by knowing the signs and reaching out in our community.

Talking to a loved one about getting help is hard, but it can make a big difference. Listen without judgment and speak with kindness. Remember that it takes a lot of strength for someone to open up about the challenges they face. It may take many conversations before they get or seek help.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online. Your conversations are free and confidential.
Click here for immediate help

Friends and loved ones can also play a tremendous role by offering help:

Ask open ended questions
Open-ended questions seek answers beyond “yes” or “no” and usually start with "how," "what," or "where."

Be supportive
During your conversation, comment on their strengths. It can be easy to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong, but it can close them off to asking for help. Thank them for being willing to speak with you.

Show you're listening
Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings. You can do this by saying, “I heard you say ____."

Bring it all together
These conversations can be about many different feelings and plans. At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also, follow up with them to check in.
CLICK HERE for more local resources. Remember, we can all work together to bring about positive change in our community.
 
Remembering 9/11

We honored the memory of those we lost in the attacks on September 11, 2001, and saluted the courageous heroes who risked everything to help others. We will never forget the police officers, firefighters, first responders, and everyday citizens who jumped into action. 

May we always remember their sacrifice and stand united in resilience and hope.
 
Transit-Try It Day in Waterbury

You have an opportunity to get a free, short ride around Waterbury in a hybrid-electric bus on Connecticut Sustainability and Resiliency Week. You can learn how to get around in an eco-friendly way while getting answers to your transit-related questions.

Make sure to be on the east side of the Waterbury Green at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, September 23. The bus will make a stop by the Naugatuck River Greenway at Platt Park.
Click here to register!