Eilish Collins Main

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this message finds you and your family enjoying a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year. With the winter season and cold temperatures upon us, the state's severe cold weather protocol is in effect through January 4th. Find information on warming centers around Stamford further down in this email. In this message, read about the Governor's Emergency Fund allocations, learn about several new laws going into effect in 2026, learn how you can apply for Generation Power CT during this assistance cycle, and more. Click on the links below to go to that section, and as always, if I can be of service to you, please be in touch!

• $500 Million Emergency Fund Update
• New Laws Effective January 1st
• Severe Cold Weather Protocol in Effect
• Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance
• Housing Bill (8002) Town Hall in Stamford
• People Friendly Stamford and Ferguson Library Screening
• Stamford Parent Leadership Training Institute

Over the last few weeks, Governor Lamont has begun establishing a plan to use the bipartisan $500 million emergency response fund passed by the legislature during November's special session. The almost $170 million proposal will provide critical assistance to Connecticut residents in need and impacted by the federal budget cuts. The plan includes funding to help lower health insurance costs, expand access to food assistance, and assist some of the state's most vulnerable residents. 

The proposal includes: 

• $115 million to offset cuts to health care subsidies and tax credits
• $24.5 million to support community food banks and pantries
• $4.7 million for 2-1-1 to support additional call volume and Community Action Agencies to support community outreach and assistance for SNAP

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program will open on Friday, January 2nd, and will run through January 10th! This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses. 
 
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
 
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% State Median Income (SMI) gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:

• March 2nd-10th 

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/

People Friendly Stamford and the Ferguson Library are hosting a screening of "Fault Lines", a groundbreaking new film that explores the intersecting issues of housing affordability, homelessness, and local laws in the San Francisco Bay area.
 
The screening will take place at the Ferguson Library in downtown Stamford on Wednesday, January 21st, at 6pm. Immediately following the film, People Friendly Stamford will moderate a panel to discuss the film and its resonance in Stamford and our region. The panel includes:

• Senator Bob Duff, CT Senate Majority Leader representing the 25th District (Norwalk & Darien)
• Carmen Colon, President & CEO of Pacific House, Inc.
• Richard Freedman, President of Garden Homes Management & Chair of the Stamford Board of Finance

Registration is required for the event. Register here.