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Assistance programs in Bridgeport and Fairfield County Connecticut.

Everything from emergency rent or mortgage assistance to transportation programs, free food, and electric bill help is available to low or moderate income families in Fairfield County CT. A major focus is on helping with housing, transportation, and grocery bills. Find the churches, charities, and government programs to apply at for financial help with bills near you in Fairfield County below.

There are also grants to pay security deposits as well as free clothes, cars for work, back to school supplies, and emergency heating bill help. Or locate free stuff, including for work, and get items such as clothes, vouchers to pay for gasoline or train passes. Government assistance in the Bridgeport region also offers cash aid, budgeting and debt reduction services among other programs.

Financial assistance paying bills, free food and basic needs

There are several ways to receive housing support in Fairfield County Connecticut. NEON Inc. provides assistance with numerous housing-related issues, such as rent, mortgage, and foreclosure prevention. A combineation of financial help and counseling/referrals are used.

They offer and manage a Community Housing Assistance Program that will provide the grants or loans to tenants, homeowners or those who need a place to live.. The funds help with rent, mortgage payments, or security deposit assistance to families and individuals who have experienced a financial hardship, such as recently becoming unemployed or if they have had their work hours cut. Call NEON at (203) 899-2420 or (203) 899-2483

The state of Connecticut will often receive over federal government funds that are to be used to help prevent homeless through a community-based program. The program is administered by charities in Norwalk, Stamford, Bridgeport and the county. The program ill provide residents assistance for paying their rent and/or utility bills. The program will intervenes during evictions and also offer emergency lodging and other services that are aimed at keeping Connecticut individuals or families from losing their homes or being evicted.

CAAWC, based in Stamford, will be disbursing the rent assistance. The non-profit can disburse the grants that can be used for rental payments or moving costs. There may be funds that help with security deposits, utility deposits and also even utility bill payments. The government grants can also offer moving cost assistance, free hotel or motel vouchers, and housing relocation payments in helping eligible families.

But that is not all. The funds can also be used to pay for outreach programs, legal services, housing search, debt counseling, and credit repair assistance are among critical support services also offered. Call CAWWC community action in Stamford CT at 203-602-8833 or (203) 327-3260

 

 

 

Another local non profit, Bridgeport based LifeBridge Community Services (formerly FSW), offers rent and housing assistance to tenants as well as homeowners. They offer Rent Payment Assistance, Utility and Heating Bill Help, and other support for tenants. The goal is to help keep them in their homes or apartments, especially single mothers or dads.

The homeless can explore Rental Deposit Assistance and well as moving assistance. Another major focus is on stability, so resources like Skills Certification, ESL classes, and job placement is available. The Bridgeport agency also has home delivered meals for seniors, information on grants for housing needs, foreclosure counseling, and more. Dial (203) 368-4291, or click LifeBridge Community Services financial assistance programs.

City of Bridgeport - Health And Social Services works with local agencies to run the Homeless Prevention and Rehousing Program. It can provide money for paying rent if someone faces an eviction. Call (203) 576-7416 or (203) 332-3023. There will also be information on homeless shelters (including for adults with kids), motel voucher programs and free basic needs including food or meals.

Additional funds for paying a portion of rental expense, or willbe a part of a security deposit for a new home, is available. A number of other Bridgeport, Norwalk and other towns have churches, non-profits, and other organizations that focus on offering rent help. Get more information on Fairfield County CT rent assistance.

Action for Bridgeport Community Development Inc. (ABCD) offers various resources for Fairfield County families. They are located at 1070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, Phone: (203) 366-8241.

  • Family services - This program provides rental assistance, food pantry voucher, as well las free clothing or furniture referrals. There is also help with translation / interpretation services, or access to a free notary public. Learn about state and other social service agency referrals, job training, employment career, and immigration counseling.
     
  • Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) - The CEAP program is designed to help low and moderate income households pay for their primary heating bill. Households applying for this aid should be aware that benefits are limited and do not cover the full winter bill and, therefore they should also plan to pay part of the heating bill. Help for people is also available when your heat is included in part of your monthly rent. Households who apply need to meet the CEAP income guidelines.

 

 

 

 

  • CEAP Furnace Repair/Replacement Program - Repair or replacement of your furnace is available for CEAP eligible single family homeowner when a heating system is unsafe or inoperable.
     
  • Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP) - The Connecticut CHAP program is available for households is their income is higher then the Federal Poverty guidelines yet do not exceed 60% of the State Median income level. The qualifying household can receive a one time cash grant benefit payment and in the case of a deliverable fuel a crisis payment.
     
  • Weatherization Program - Both homeowners and renters who are eligible for CEAP can receive help with free comprehensive energy conservation measures, and they can save hundreds of dollars per year.
     
  • Help with heating bills from LIHEAP - Struggling and moderate income people receive the federal government aid from this program by applying for it. Aid will be granted based on the household's income as well as the number of people who are in the family. The exact program guidelines and amount of assistance that people receive change each year based on the cost of oil, and the amount of the federal government grant. Learn about free heating oil as well.
     
  • Food distribution - The community action agency both has information on, and partners with various churches, food banks, and pantries. The main goal is to ensure people have food on their table every day.

Call Action for Bridgeport Community Development Inc. (ABCD) at (203) 366-8241. Or learn more on assistance from Action for Bridgeport Community Development.

Fairfield Connecticut based Operation Hope offers low income and other qualified individuals with a large number of assistance programs. Among them include. Dial (203) 292-5588

  • Debt reduction and credit counseling.- Work with a counselor to reduce debts, lower interest payments, and get back on track. Call them to learn more on other programs.
  • Housing assistance - Get help with rent, mortgage assistance, and learn about foreclosure prevention programs in Fairfield County and the state. Read more on Connecticut mortgage assistance programs.

Connecticut Social Services - Western Regional Office, Bridgeport - This agency administers state and federal government benefits. The low-income, unemployed, and families living in poverty can apply for cash assistance and grant programs. There are food stamp applications, SSI or short term support for individuals who are elderly or disabled. Medical insurance and other aid also offered, including Medicaid. Call (203) 551-2700.

Person to Person of Darien (formerly Christian Community Action) helps people of all religions and backgrounds. The agency runs a food pantry, can provide free furniture and household goods, school supplies, and will have limited emergency financial assistance. There will be money to help with utility and heating bills, rent expenses, car payment or gas and security deposits. The charity agency serves residents of New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton Connecticut, or find more information on Person to Person Community Action emergency programs.

Another leading place to call for help and advice in Danbury is the The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut - Danbury. Call (203) 744-4700. They run programs for the region. There Clients can apply too an Eviction or foreclosure Prevention Program, which combines grant money and counseling. There is also emergency Rent Assistance, legal aid, and they also distribute emergency food to the needy.

The center is known as CAAWC for short. Case managers provide other support as well to the poor and low income. Get information on government grants for paying heating bills and referrals to regional Fairfield County non-profits. Other aid is offered too. Read The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut.

State of Connecticut Government Programs - Social Services is a statewide agency that administers state and federal cash assistance programs. There is applications on SNAP food stamp, WIC programs, health care, and medical insurance programs for low income individuals. There is also help for families with children in the Fairfield County area.

Many of the benefits are for families living in poverty or the indigent. The state also can provide referrals to other forms of financial aid, such as SSI disability, WIC vouchers, funeral cost assistance, and more. Call your local town office to get information. Or call 1-855-626-6632.

  • Fairfield County Social services and government aid - The state, city of Bridgeport, and county of Fairfield offer dozens of programs and resources to low income families, the unemployed, and disadvantaged children. Some of the more common offerings include SNAP food stamps, TANF cash assistance, and grants from general assistance. Some county residents will benefit from LIHEAP energy assistance, child care, or health care. Click more public assistance Fairfield County.

 

 

 

 

Legal representation and free advice - There are services available across Fairfield County, Bridgeport, and other cities such as Stamford. Attorneys can help clients applying for public aid, namely SSI disability or housing. Also under high demand is help in stopping evictions, advice for seniors on home health care and their needs, as well as other support for civil matters. Continue with Fairfield County free legal aid.

Northern Fairfield Community Action Agency - Covers the northern half of Fairfield County, including the towns listed below. Among services run include holiday assistance as well as free groceries from an emergency  food pantry. There is also rent assistance programs including an eviction prevention program and energy bill assistance. The towns covered include Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, North Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Sherman, Warren, Washington Connecticut. Call (203) 744-4700

Faith Tabernacle provides basic needs and possible financial aid in the Stamford region. They are a leading church in the region and offer some of the following. They will have clothes, back to school supplies and toys for children. A Special Holiday Project is also available. While more limited, funds, such as a loan, will be offered for paying rent or other expenses. More information on Faith Tabernacle.

There are straightforward ways to increase income. Since many residents commute long distances, there are quick and simple ways to monetize that time. Or get paid in other ways. As an example, find apps on iPhone or Android for making money.

Association of Religious Communities, which is based on Main Street in Danbury CT, can offer small dollar amounts of assistance to help pay deposits to Greater Danbury and the Danbury region only. Other assistance provided includes free food and groceries, one time only utilities (heating oil, electricity shut-off prevention), ESL classes for refugees, and Anger-Management Prevention. Call (203) 792-9450, or find Association of Religious Communities emergency assistance.

Many other churches operate in the city of Bridgeport too. They will generally focus any assistance on members of the parish only or those that live around the neighborhood. Financial help, food, and other support will be arranged, and find help from Bridgeport churches.

Low income residents of the Norwalk CT region should apply for help at Norwalk Opportunity Now. The main service they provide is EFPP, which is offered by counselors and offers assessment, financial assistance, and mediation for low to moderate income Connecticut and Fairfield County residents. The support is for those who are experiencing a non-recurring, unexpected crisis or hardship who have past due rent or mortgage payments. Heating bill assistance and information on free health care is also administered, with many clients being elderly or single moms or dads. Call 203-838-8471 or (203) 663-7348.

Stratford Sterling House can help families meet basic needs. The agency will have referrals for financial assistance as well for those that qualify. The main programs available include, but are not limited to, the following. Contact the Resource Connection for more details on child care, free food, clothing, and holiday programs, diapers, and school supplies. Other Sterling Housing services can include employment assistance and even free meals. More on Sterling House.

Operation Fuel – The various town offices that participate in Operation Fuel provide a cash grant for your heating bills or fuel source. Funds are paid directly to your fuel vendor or to your energy provider. The program will be able to help low income and other eligible households in a crisis situation meet home energy expenses and keep their heat on during the winter.

Funds are first come-served. Operation Fuel is a program that provides a one time financial aid/cash grant of up to several hundred dollars to help low income qualified households in an extreme emergency situation pay their heating and energy bills.  The main customer support number in Fairfield County CT is (860) 243-2345, or try a location below.

  • One School Street, Bethel, Connecticut 06801-0253, phone number (203) 794-8537
  • 126 Washington Avenue, First Baptist Church - Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT 06604, (203) 333-9033
  • 30 Elm Street, Salvation Army - Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604, dial (203) 334-0995
  • 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield Social Services, Brookfield, Connecticut 06804-5106, (203) 775-7312
  • 66 North Street, CACD, Danbury, CT 06810, (203) 748-5422
  • 235 Cutler's Farm Road, Monroe Senior Center, Monroe, Connecticut 06468, (203) 452-3771
  • 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield Social Services, New Fairfield, CT 06812-2619, (203) 312-5669
  • 3 Main Street, Newtown Social Services, Newtown, Connecticut 06470, call (203) 270-4330
  • 400 Main Street, Ridgefield Social Services, Ridgefield, CT 06877-4699, (203) 431-2754
  • 8 Route 37 Center, Sherman Fuel Bank, Sherman, CT 06784, (860) 354-2414
  • 98 South Main Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854, (203) 899-2420
  • 34 Woodland Avenue Room 110, Stamford, Connecticut 06902, phone (203) 352-4865
  • 1000 West Broad Street, Stratford Senior Services Fuel Bank, Stratford, CT 06615, (203) 385-4055
  • 23 Priscilla Place, Trumbull Social Services, Trumbull, CT 06611, (203) 452-5198
  • 24 School Road, Weston Social Services, Weston, Connecticut 06883, dial (203) 222-2663
  • 180 School Road, Wilton Social Services, Wilton, Connecticut 06897, telephone (203) 834-6238

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Action Committee Energy Assistance Program (CACD) – This is a state and federal funded assistance program for struggling families. It can offer help from the Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP) as well as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). The grants issued can help people pay their primary heating bills or even repairs. Seniors, the disabled and families in poverty get prioirty.

The total amount of energy payments provided to clients will be determined by the applicant’s total household income as well as their family size. Another factor taken into consideration is whether the applying household is classified as vulnerable. This means that there will be a member who is age 60+, under the age of 6, or who is disabled. As another option, find free repairs to heating systems.

  • One School Street, Bethel Municipal Center, Bethel, Connecticut 06801-0253, dial (203) 794-8537
  • 100 Pocono Road, Social Service Dept, Municipal Center, Brookfield, CT 06804-5106, phone (203) 775-7312
  • 66 North Street, Danbury, CT 06810, (203) 748-5422
  • 2 Renshaw Road, Darien Town Hall, Darien, CT 06820-5397, (203) 656-7328
  • 650 Morehouse Road, Easton Senior Center, Easton, Connecticut 06612, phone number (203) 268-1137
  • 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield Social Services, Fairfield, CT 06824, (203) 256-3170
  • 101 Field Point Road 3rd Floor, Town Hall, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830, call (203) 622-3800
  • 235 Cutler's Farm Road, Monroe Senior Center, Monroe, Connecticut 06468, number is (203) 452-3771
  • 4 Brush Hill Road Route 39, New Fairfield Town Hall, Social Services, New Fairfield, CT 06812, (203) 312-5669
  • 3 Main Street, Town Hall South, Newtown Social Services Department, Newtown, Connecticut 06470, (203) 270-4330
  • 98 South Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06854-3126, telephone (203) 899-2420
  • 9 Cross Highway Road, Redding Social Services/Municipal Agent, Redding, CT 06875, (203) 938-3580
  • 400 Main Street, Ridgefield Social Services, Ridgefield, CT 06877-4699, (203) 431-2777
  • 8 Route 37 Center, Sherman Senior Center, Sherman, CT 06784, dial (860) 354-2414
  • 34 Woodland Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902, (203) 352-4846
  • 468 Birdseye Street, Stratford Community Services, Stratford, Connecticut 06615, phone number (203) 385-4095
  • 23 Priscilla Place, Trumbull Social Services, Trumbull, CT 06611, (203) 452-5198
  • 110 Myrtle Avenue Department of Human Services
  • Westport Town Hall, Westport, CT 06880, (203) 341-1050 ext. 1068
  • 180 School Road, Wilton Social Services, Wilton, Connecticut 06897, (203) 834-6238

Town Of Monroe Social Services – The town maintains a private fuel bank for residents in need and that can be called on in an emergency. The address is 7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe, Connecticut 06468-1823, phone (203) 452-2813

Free stuff including non-financial aid and basic needs are offered from non-profits in Fairfield County such as clothing stores. Organizations can assist low income families with needs including Christmas gifts, work clothes, baby items and back to school supplies. Some vouchers will be offered for free goods. Programs are offered for all regions, including Bridgeport and Stamford. Continue with free clothes and school supplies in Fairfield County.

Short term and transitional housing programs are an option for residents being evicted or that will be currently homeless. Clients can get a place to stay, meals, and self-sufficiency, such as job search assistance. Also, importantly, get help in finding and paying for a new apartment or home in all too expensive Fairfield County. Click here transitional housing in Fairfield County.

Fairfield New Opportunities provides coverage to some towns in the county. Low income families can receive assistance with needs such as Weatherization, free food, and case management. Other resources can include information on the CT Prescription Assistance Program, Meals on Wheels, and details on utility bill assistance. Read more New Opportunities in Connecticut assistance programs.

 

 

 

 

Norwalk Senior Center runs a Housing Assistance Fund. As resources allow, this can provide local city of Norwalk resident over 60 with a no-interest loan to pay first or last months' rent, security deposits, or moving expenses. There is also information on property tax abatements, Meals on Wheels for food delivery and recreational trips with other older people. The office is at 11 Allen Road. Call (203) 847-3115.

Town of New Canaan Human Services Department runs a private fuel bank for heating needs during the winter. In addition the town office will also accept and process applications for the CEAP, or Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Also get information on other government and public aid. (203) 594-3076.

Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging supports all of Fairfield County and has multiple offices. They administer assistance for senior citizens in the region. Get help in applying for health care (including Medicare and fee prescription medications), free meals, the Senior Employment Program, income tax filing and more. 10 Middle St, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Dial (203) 333-9288. Or read Connecticut Agency on Aging.

Other social services are available from the Town of Ridgefield (phone (203) 431-2777) as well as Town of Weston (call (203) 222-2663). While the exact services will vary, they will have food pantries, Temporary Financial Assistance, subsidies for child care, application for SNAP food stamps, and other human services.

Regional Rapid Rehousing, Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention deals with a wide array of housing issues. There is no discrimination based on age, race or religion. People facing a crisis, whether they are disabled, a single mom, elderly or immigrants, can seek help.

If the emergency is one time only, and documented, then everything from water bills to rent or legal aid will be arranged. The goal is to stop the homelessness from occurring. They also can place clients into local Fairfield County shelters or provide tips on applying for benefits, such as section 8 housing or SSI disability. Find eviction and homeless prevention Fairfield County.

YMCA Jean Wallace Residence of Central Connecticut is a transitional housing resource. The program can help with job placement, education services, and more. Work on finding a permanent home in Fairfield and get information on assistance for paying first months rent and a security deposit. They will also have information on the statewide eviction prevention program or loans to pay for housing needs. Bridgeport Connecticut based. Call (203) 366-2809.

Regional free holiday assistance - Programs offered by non-profits can help with all of the main holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Free meals, food, turkeys, and Christmas toys or gifts will be passed out to qualified low income and struggling families. More on Fairfield County free holiday assistance programs.

Discount Power is administered by United Way of Coastal Fairfield County and local utility companies. Assistance is mainly offered for the Bridgeport region. Customer will save money on the generation portion of their electric bill. Call (203) 929-3200.

Salvation Army - In addition to the Norwalk and Stamford locations listed above, several other centers operate in Fairfield County. Everything from free food, Christmas meals or free gifts, and rent and utility bill assistance will be offered to qualified low income families. They also give out free backpacks for school, Christmas toys from Angel tree, winter clothes and other aid. Or learn about after school care or summer camp for kids. Learn more about the Fairfield County Salvation Army.

Norwalk Corps Community Center - Salvation Army – The non-profit provides various forms of assistance for basic needs, including free clothing, food, and money for bills when funding is available. Payment goes directly to vendor and not to the applying individual.

The Salvation Army of Norwalk will also be able to offer limited assistance with utility bills when funding is available. Other resources will include car repairs for transportation to employment, and clothes and uniforms for new jobs. Or get free back to school supplies or Christmas presents from Adopt a Family. Location is 14 Byington Place, Norwalk, CT 06850, phone number (203) 866-2125

Another option is Salvation Army Stamford Corps Community Center. They offer limited financial assistance for bills. There are also free items, a low cost thrift store for shopping, substance abuse counseling and more. Or inquire about other forms of aid to those in need. (203) 359-2320

Town Of Redding Social Services – Also has a private fuel bank for the low income. Location is 37 Lonetown Road, Community Center, Redding, Connecticut 06875-1118. Call (203) 938-3580

Bridgeport, Stamford and regional Catholic Charities operate across the county. Most of the resources available from this organization are focused on helping seniors, the homeless, and immigrants. However some food and financial assistance may be offered. In particular, the charity will help residents find a new home or apartment, obtain employment skills, and they offer programs for children. Learn more Catholic Charities Fairfield County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreclosure prevention in Fairfield County

Dispute Settlement Center (dial (1-877-472-8313) provides numerous housing programs. Many are free. Among them include mediation, foreclosure prevention, and mortgage payments. The eviction / foreclosure prevention program offers homeowners with mediation, assessment, grants, and direct financial assistance for low to moderate income Connecticut residents. The agency is for people who are experiencing a non-recurring, unexpected, documentable financial hardship or emergency.

The programs are for those who have past due rent or mortgage payments and who have received a notice to of foreclosure on their home. The amount of direct cash assistance provided is determined on a case by case basis; however, the maximum allowable grant for each homeowner is usually over a thousands dollars, but it varies. The agency serves people in Stamford, Norwalk, and Bridgeport. They also help families buy a home, and come up with a down payment, for housing in Fairfield County.

Free food, groceries and personal items

The Trumbull Community Action Program (TCAP) is offering a co-op program that will in effect provide people with either free, or very low priced food. The food is top quality, and it is being funded by the federal government. The program is targeted at families and individuals who are facing difficulties with a job loss, reduction in income or other struggles. TCAP also offers a monthly food buying program with prepared bags of food and groceries, and  senior service program. They even offer mentoring and utility and heating bill assistance. Call TCAP at 330-393-2507 to apply or lean more.

  • Bethel Memorial Deliverance Church - Bridgeport - (203) 612-7366
  • Christian Revival Church Food Pantry - Bridgeport -  (203) 367-4998
  • New Covenant House of Hospitality - Stamford - (203) 964-8228
  • Zion Lutheran Church - Stamford - (203) 327-7751
  • There are several other distribution sites. There are also soup kitchens, free Christmas or Thanksgiving meals and more. Find a listing of Fairfield County free food pantries.

Free health care clinics

Danbury and Fairfield County residents can get free health care from the Americares Free Clinics (phone (203) 748-6188). The medical center, which was founded to help residents with medical services, is made up of nurses, doctors, and physician assistants who volunteer their expertise and time. The free clinic provides everything from checkups, lab work, monitoring chronic diseases, referrals for x-rays, even prescription drugs and medicines, and specialists. It serves uninsured and underinsured low-income patients who live in the Connecticut area. Find additional information on health care clinics.

The has also be able to advocate on behalf of people to have the hospital waive unpaid and expensive medical bills. Many people says they have saved thousands of dollars on medical and hospital bills by using these clinics. Across the country, almost 8 million Americans are projected to use free clinics this year, which is a 50 percent increase from last year. Both low- or moderate-income homeowners use the services offered.

This is just on of the health care centers in Fairfield Connecticut. Several dozen other clinics and facilities operate in the region. Find information and phone numbers on more Fairfield County free community clinics.

Health and medical care is very costly. Many families struggle and go into debt. Non-profits in Fairfield County can help patients pay any medical or hospital bills or get the care (including prescription drugs) they need for a condition. Read more on financial help for medical bills.\

 

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