Programs from The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut.
Thousands of families receive referrals or help from The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut, which use to be known as the Community Action Committee of Danbury). The non-profit offers information on government programs (such as CEAP) and they also oversee their own programs as well, such as free food banks.
Each and every resource offered has an application process. The demand for assistance is very high and only a limited number of requests can be fulfilled. However the agency does its rent to meet needs, especially when it comes to rental assistance, homeless prevention, and funds for heating bills.
Heating Bill and Energy Assistance Programs will assist very low-income individuals, households and families in the service area. This includes the towns of Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, North Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Sherman, Warren, and Washington Connecticut. The government grant program helps them in paying their heating bills and preventing disconnections.
Other Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut (CAAWC) utility bill programs include Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP), weatherization, the state's Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), furnace repairs, and a resource known as Elderly Fuel.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program / CEAP was created in an effort to help eligible low income households pay a portion of their winter heating or gas bills. The government benefits do not cover full cost of the entire winter’s heating bills but rather pays only a portion of it. Those from the Danbury region whose heating costs are included in their rent are also eligible for this program. Income limits in place are based on federal poverty guidelines.
The Furnace Repair, Weatherization and Conservation programs can improve the efficiency of heating sources within the home. This helps people save money and reduces the amount of their monthly heating bills. It is generally available to CEAP eligible single family home owners. The installation of sidewall and ceiling insulation as well as implementation of infiltration control measures are even included in weatherization.
The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut Food Pantry is a large facility located at New Hope Baptist Church, 10 Aaron Samuels Boulevard, Danbury, CT 06810.
The food bank provides those that qualify with healthy, nutritious food, formula and groceries once per month. Clients eligibility for this program is determined by their total household income. Hundreds of families use the center every month.
Free diapers from the The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut can assist those in need who are unable to buy an adequate amount of baby wipes and diapers on their own. It operates on a monthly basis for low income parents. Through this assistance program, qualified families and parents can receive up to one package of diapers and also one package of free wipes every month that they qualify. Call (203) 744-4700 to apply. If not qualified, then find other resources for how to get free diapers.
Housing assistance is offered in Danbury from Housing First for Families Program (HFF). There is also a free Eviction Foreclosure Prevention Program, as well as HAP, or Housing Mobility and Search Assistance Program.
The HAP component helps residents obtain safe and affordable rental units outside of areas of concentration of poverty. Case managers help with the search assistance process. It also strives to increase utilization of HUD Section 8 vouchers and the state of Connecticut programs of RAP and T-RAP. Staff will inform clients about the mobility counseling/search assistance program and what exactly it can do.
Rent and mortgage help from EFPP will bring together trained mediators with landlords and tenants to discuss eviction problems and unpaid mortgages. The specialist will also offer other helpful alternatives to eviction including but not limited to financial aid and/or negotiated agreements between tenants and landlords. Both the landlords and tenants will be educated about their rights, any state laws and the parties responsibilities during the mediation process. find more information on rent assistance in Fairfield County.
Housing First for Families Program can provide guidance and assistance to families in accessing rental assistance, relocation resources, and other financial aid. This will also be public housing, rental subsidies, permanent supportive housing, cash for expenses or financial assistance and entitlements.
Another part of HFF is that it provides assistance in identifying apartments and housing units for families as well as developing stronger relationships with landlords. In collaboration with transitional housing programs, homeless shelters in Danbury, and even local domestic violence shelters the program identifies households in need of services.
Income Tax Preparation Assistance is available as part of VITA sit and federal resource. Community Action Committee of Danbury offers free federal government and state income tax help to low-to-moderate income people and seniors who are unable to prepare their own tax returns.
VITA will retain certified volunteers and they help prepare basic federal and state income tax returns. Another benefit is that electronic filing of federal and state income tax is offered, to free, to eligible individuals. For more details about the VITA Tax Program, the number is (203) 744-4700
Early childcare education program is available at the Action Early Learning Center. It is a program for children from low income families provided they are under the age of six. The main mission of this center is to provide a high-quality early childhood education development program for the children from low income qualified families of the Greater Danbury Connecticut area.
The Early Learning center wants to help the students and children in meeting their full potential by providing them with an environment that offers social, cognitive, emotional, physical and creative activities. The community action center tries to provide free high quality education to children while their parents are employed, enrolled in job training programs, or attending school. It is for children and the staff will work with parents on addressing their life skills through parent education opportunities and workshops.
Applying for help from The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut
The main CAAWC Community Action Committee of Western CT office is at 6678 Triangle St, Danbury, CT 06810. Call 203-744-4700 for more information on their low income programs.
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