More Information Released on CT Housing Assistance Programs

July 7, 2020

I hope you enjoyed this past holiday weekend.

Our state continues to make progress in containing and limiting the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus, and a significant part of that is because Connecticut residents have stayed vigilant in practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and regularly washing their hands or using hand sanitizer. 

As our state moves closer to reopening, it will take all of us practicing these preventative behaviors routinely to ensure all businesses in our state and community can open their doors safely.

Below, you will find information on the following topics:

  • COVID-19 Update
  • Tax Assistance
  • Housing Assistance
  • Updated Guidance on Connecticut's Travel Advisory
  • DMV Resumes Select Testing and Registration Services
  • CT Learning Hub

COVID-19 Update

 

 

As of Monday at 4 p.m., a total of 46,976 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. This includes 44,997 laboratory-confirmed cases and 1,979 probable cases. Hospitalizations decreased by 26 patients since Friday, totaling 69. 

Day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week. All data in this report are preliminary; data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

For a county-by-county breakdown of cases or to view additional data, please click the image above.

59th Executive Order Signed

The governor signed Executive Order No. 7FFF Tuesday to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, reopen the state economy, and streamline public services. The order enacts the following provisions:

  • Modifying minimum service hours for private non-medical institutions for adults: Modifies the number of service hours required to be provided by certain group homes and the requirement that group homes perform semi-annual times studies of their services in order to receive monthly Medicaid payments.

Read Executive Order No. 7FFF here.

Secretary Merrill Announces Recruitment Effort for Poll Workers in Primary and General Elections

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has announced a statewide effort to recruit poll workers for Connecticut's primary and general elections. 

Voters interested in working at the polls can sign up at myvote.ct.gov/volunteer.

More information is available here.

Click here to read Monday's update.

To read all of the emergency orders issued by the governor and state agencies, click here. Watch all of the COVID-19 news briefings here, and read the press releases here.

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Tax Assistance

Have you filed your taxes yet? They are due on July 15, 2020!

If you need assistance filing them, the IRS' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can provide you free basic tax preparation. You can virtually meet with a volunteer who will walk you through the process. Click here to learn more about VITA.

You can also use My Free Taxes to file your taxes. Learn more here.

These programs are available to you if you made under $54,000 last year.

Housing Assistance

Last week the Connecticut Department of Housing announced $33 million in federal and state funds will be allocated to help renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by the global pandemic with housing costs. 

Monday the Department of Housing provided additional information on Temporary Housing Assistance Programs Initiatives, which is comprised of two programs:

  • Temporary Rental Housing Assistance Payments
    • Individuals and families who have been denied unemployment assistance from the Department of Labor will be prioritized
    • Unemployed/under-employed workers who have not yet filed for unemployment assistance should do so as soon as possible
    • More information will be available on the CT Department of Housing website, portal.ct.gov/doh
  • Temporary Mortgage Housing Assistance Payments
    • More information will be published on the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority website at www.chfa.org

Both programs are anticipated to launch on or about July 15, 2020. Guidelines and processes for each program are continuing to be developed and are not yet available. 

Updated Guidance on Connecticut's Travel Advisory

The state has recently updated its travel advisory that was implemented for travelers entering Connecticut from states with high rates of COVID-19. The updated guidance permits travelers to enter the state if they test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arriving.

Click here to read the updated guidance.

DMV Resumes Select Testing and Registration Services

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has resumed road testing for driver's licenses and new vehicle registrations at select DMV locations. Knowledge testing for motorcycle learner's permits is anticipated to begin July 7, 2020 at the DMV's Bridgeport and Waterbury locations. 

The DMV requires appointments for all services. Use the below links to schedule an appointment:

Further information is available here.

CT Learning Hub

The Connecticut State Department of Education recently launched the CT Learning Hub to provide families, students, and educators access to high-quality, high-impact resources to speed up learning and advance equity. 

The Hub is a free and interactive web page filled with digital resources that support online and offline learning. 

Learn more here.