Action for Bridgeport Community Development assistance programs.
The Fairfield County Connecticut community action agency is Action for Bridgeport Community Development. The non-profit provides several resources for low income and struggling families in the region. Short term crisis help is available and case managers will also work to address any long term issues.
Some of the Family Services administered are rental assistance, funds for paying heating bills or security deposits, food, clothing and other basic needs. The agency focuses most of its assistance on residents of Bridgeport, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull Connecticut, however other towns may be supported too.
Heating and rental assistance in Fairfield County
The main resource is the ABCD ENERGY Program. There are a few different programs for those families that qualify. One application will cover all of the programs. An outreach team is available to conduct home visits and help the elderly and/or physically disabled apply.
Grants and funds are offered from the CEAP, or Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Only a portion of the applicant’s heating bill will be paid. This assistance is for both renters and homeowners.
Furnace Repairs/Replacements are offered from CEAP as well. For those residents that have a heating system that is inoperable, unsafe, needs repair or replacement, then CEAP may be able to help pay for this.
Conservation programs managed by Action for Bridgeport Community Development are the Weatherization Program as well as Clean Test and Tune-up services (CT&T). Both of these have limited funding but can help improve the overall condition of your home. Insulation, caulking, and other updates can be made.
Weatherization applications can be picked up. ABCD runs this program which can help lower heating and cooling bills for low-income and poor families, particularly people with disabilities, the elderly, and children. The program will improve the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. In order to benefit from this service, potential customers must first apply for federal government fuel assistance from CEAP. An appointment is then scheduled with the homeowner for any energy audit.
More moderate income families can apply for the Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP). This is for local families that have an income higher than Federal Government Poverty guidelines but who still fall below certain Connecticut levels. Grants may be issued for heating and other utility bills from CHAP.
Housing assistance is available as well. This can come in the form of shelter and help in locating a transitional home or apartment. Tenants facing eviction may also explore emergency rental assistance or even funds to pay the security deposit on a new, more affordable home or apartment.
Additional ABCD / Action for Bridgeport Community Development programs
Family Services from the community action agency are also known as the Human Service Infrastructure (H.S.I). This includes a holistic approach to addressing the residents issue and can correct all problems that the family has.
When someone applies for help at ABCD, they will meet with a case manager for a full assessment. This will identify areas of need for other help and support. For example, someone requesting rental assistance may learn about low income housing. Or an individual that needs employment can be directed to One Stop job centers. The agency works with other non-profits in Fairfield County, such as New Ventures department on employment assistance.
All services offered throughout the Action for Bridgeport Community Development agency are done so under one umbrella to avoid duplication. The goal of every service is to promote continual movement of low-income and working poor people towards self-sufficiency.
Other resources that are provided by ABCD can include the following. Emergency rental assistance, furniture referrals, food pantry voucher, clothing, referrals to state of Connecticut and other social service agency, employment career, and immigration counseling. Dial 203-338-0306 for more details.
The Action for Bridgeport Community Development Early Learning Division runs the Early Head Start and Head Start programs for the region. The early childhood/family services include social services, health services, nutrition, and educational support.
Head Start in Bridgeport will offer vision and hearing tests, free food, address special needs and preventative services from a team of specialists and teachers. The program involves mental health professionals, disability specialists, and services the greater Bridgeport area and Fairfield County. They continue to offer quality family centered services and early learning programs to meet the needs of the people in our community.
Apply to ABC community action in Connecticut
The Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc. (A.B.C.D.) is located at 1070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604-3400. Call (203) 366-8241.
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