Association of Religious Communities programs and emergency services.
Before an eviction occurs, or upon the loss of a job, contact Association of Religious Communities for advice. The non-profit charity provides services in Danbury and Greater Danbury of Fairfield County only as part of the Emergency Aid Network (EAN), and while not everyone will qualify for support, there may be some limited financial assistance provided or referrals.
The agency provides assistance and support to only the following areas. ARC supports Danbury, and Greater Danbury residents only. This includes the Greater Danbury: New Fairfield, New Milford, Ridgefield, Redding, Brookfield, Bethel, and also Newtown.
The Food Pantry is a key service in the region, and many people call it their main operation. Children and families can get groceries such as rice, pasta, or canned goods. Many senior citizens that live on a fixed income also get help from the pantry, and the disabled are also some of the primary users of the center.
Many guests to the Pantry have been able to prevent hunger from occurring, as the facility is often stocked with donations from the community. Volunteers will help pack the bags and boxes of groceries, and they also distribute them to the needy. Association of Religious Communities (ARC) receives support from businesses and individuals from across the area, and many volunteers assist in keeping the pantry running too.
Seasonal services can be provided too, sometimes from the pantry or from other programs as well. These ARC resources also depend on donations, and some examples of the resources are as follows.
- School supplies, such as uniforms for children, paper, free notebooks, pencils, rulers and other goods.
- Clothing, such as for work and winter attire such as jackets, hats or boots.
- Holiday and Christmas assistance, ranging from gift baskets from the pantry to meals and small toys.
- During the winter, additional basic needs may be offered as many families encounter higher expenses during that time frame.
A thrift store is for the public, and it has low cost, yet generally high quality items for clients in Danbury. There may be furniture (such as beds or cribs), household goods (blankets, dishes) and small appliances. The items being sold by Association of Religious Communities will be donated, and in some cases staff will delivers the goods to the elderly or disabled in Fairfield County and Danbury. Families who have experienced loss due to flood, fire, or other related situation may be given a voucher which will pay for those items.
Financial help and direct financial assistance is occasionally available. This is known as the Emergency Aid Network. Only residents of Danbury and Greater Danbury can apply. When approved, and funding allows, ARC may help one time per year of small financial assistance towards a delinquent electric or gas bill. The total delinquency cannot exceed over $1,000. If ARC and their Emergency Aid Network does not have any money available, then staff can offer information about social service agencies and other charities that may serve as alternatives.
When it comes to money for security deposits, this is only for Danbury and Greater Danbury area as well. Staff from the committee partner with Association of Religious Communities. When possible, there may be small amounts of financial aid for security deposit assistance. ARC also offers budgeting, inspection, limited case management. Individuals applying for deposit help need to be rent and financial ready, and at-risk homeless or homeless to receive assistance
Shelter as well as Transitional Housing are for crisis situations. There are homes for veterans as well as victims of domestic violence. Seniors can also locate low income apartments or housing in Danbury Connecticut, and Association of Religious Communities assists low-income families and individuals in their pursuit of self-sufficiency at the same time. Note that residents of Transitional Housing are required to have income prior to entry, as they will need to pay a portion of it for rent and other related costs.
Resettlement Assistance is for Danbury and Greater Danbury residents only that are newcomers to Connecticut. Immigrants can meet with staff and apply for everything listed below. The charity provides one time per month alternative ESL and Know Your Rights Class. Other social services from ARM will be Outreach of Hospitality to local migrants as well as a free food pantry 2 times per month.
Support services from Association of Religious Communities
One goal is to prevent and end the cycle of poverty and homelessness. To meet this goal, the agency and its staff will refer clients to many local resources. Or residents can get advice on applying for government entitlements, which provide the person medical care, cash assistance, and more as they work towards stability. Some of them are as follows.
Victims of domestic violence are also assisted by Association of Religious Communities. They offer shelters in the Danbury region, and more importunity, advice and counseling to break the pattern. Survivors can often also benefit from the EAN network programs above.
Financial literacy as well as budgeting workshops are for families who are struggling to pay the bills on time and otherwise make ends meet. In an effort to offer strong budgeting tools to make every dollar count, this literacy can make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Tools are used by ARC in an effort to provide the knowledge that people need to gain control of their finances and begin saving for the future.
All across Fairfield County are credit repair classes, and these touch upon budgeting as well as debt reduction. These financial advice sessions demystify the process of budgeting and using credit wisely and saving. Local non-profits provide a variety of opportunities for individuals to access these services to allow them to fit classes or mentoring into their demanding schedules.
As noted, the staff from Association of Religious Communities can also direct clients to public aid. So whether it is referrals or food, the charity will try to meet the needs of low income families. To seek addition information, contact 203-792-9450.
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