New Haven County Catholic Charity assistance programs and social services.
Catholic Charities of New Haven County provides help for basic needs. The resources are limited, and assistance is targeted to those families that have no other options available to them. So applicants need to have sought financial aid or a meal from other friends, family, and charities and be out of other options. Any clients to Catholic Charities also need to agree to a self-sufficiency plan to address the root cause of their hardship.
When applying, the person will also need proof of income, assets, residency, and other information required by the process. If there is financial help provided, such as for a portion of rent or utility bills, only a portion of the expense will be paid. The applicant will need to also contribute a portion of what is due, and prove they can pay future bills on their own.
Hot meal and food pantry programs
Breakfast and Lunch is for anyone from the community. Whether a family is struggling, a senior wants a meal or companionship, or someone is even temporarily without a home, they can stop by for a free, hot, healthy meal. Many other social service agencies as well as charities also refer potential applicants to the local food pantry.
Not only will the food be served, but this also provides the resident a great opportunity to learn about other Catholic Charities sponsored assistance programs or resources in the New Haven County community. The goal is to promote independence so people can address their hardship.
The food programs are one of the tools used in an effort to offer basic support services to the low-income population in New Haven County. The services will also promote health through USDA approved nutritious meals in a congregate setting. By people knowing they have a place to turn to, it can also reduce stress. Having this type of support is a fundamental to a quality of life and preventing hunger in the community, especially for senior citizens.
Another place for up to a 3 day supply of groceries is the local food pantries. There may be Canned Vegetables, Dried Beans, Rice, milk, baby formula, and more. If no resources are available, then staff from Catholic Charity churches in New Haven make referrals to other local free food pantries in Connecticut for eligible participants.
Students often struggle during the summer months when there is no free school breakfast or lunch. They can take advantage of the Summer Youth Feeding in New Haven County that are part of the Catholic Charity Child Development Centers. This Catholic Charities affiliated project provides a nutritious lunchtime meal service to low-income children during the summer months when there is no school.
This project is run through local Soup Kitchens and partners. The meals may be served at parks, churches, libraries, and other places that can both feed the student and keep them safe. The Summer Meal Service is also staffed by part time workers and volunteers. Find other free hot meals from soup kitchens.
Catholic Charity New Haven County holiday and school supply programs
Families that are enrolled in these programs will receive a basket based on family size. There is also a free home delivery of meals for seniors as well as the home-bound.
One option in New Haven County are the Thanksgiving meals. There may either be baskets of food given out, or the basics such as a turkey and all the toppings. This is for anyone in need in New Haven County.
Other Holiday Meals are served too at Senior and Child Development Centers. Whether it is Christmas, Easter or other religious holidays, the Catholic Charities soup kitchen will serve a full-prepared holiday dinner. These services also give people companionship during this sometimes lonely periods of the year.
Often, low to moderate income families with children in New Haven County cannot fully afford to purchase clothing or supplies for their children before the school year is starting. There are some supplies that are relatively expensive, and can be a challenge for anyone to buy.
Children who do not have what they need during this back to school period often have a disadvantage in the school setting or maybe they do not have confidence as they are missing the latest items. Based on donations, the Catholic Charity New Haven Child Development Center school supply program may provide the items for free, or vouchers to buy them.
Temporary financial help from Catholic Charities
For those families that are very low income, and that agree to case management services, there may be support provided to them. A few of the programs available from Catholic Charities may be as follows. In some cases the applicant will be given a referral for where to apply.
There is a rent and security deposit assistance program available using government grants from Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP). The applicant must provide proof that he or she has a reliable source of income, otherwise they will find themselves in the same position in a matter of weeks. What may qualify them includes either wages/salary from a job or receipt of funds from a government assistance program, such as SSI disability.
The programs will pay a portion of the housing expenses. Whether it is an energy bill or rent, this may be covered. The applicant will also need to show proof that the need is a crisis and that all other potential resources have been exhausted. If the applicant to Catholic Charities in New Haven County has other needs, such as help with food, medical treatment, employment or education expenses, then those will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
New Haven Catholic Charities self-sufficiency resources
There are a number of social services for the region, ranging from Senior Care to low cost mental health counseling, Parenting Education, Disaster Relief, Help for Immigrants in New Haven and others. All of these Catholic Charity programs are aimed at helping clients gain long term stability.
As some examples, the Senior Care is for people older 65 in New Haven County. There are health and wellness resources. Early Childhood Education is for kids from kindergarten to pre-school. Catholic Charities assists them with health or dental needs, nutrition and food, reading and writing, and more. A wide range of self-sufficiency and case management is offered. Or even find CT free community clinics.
Catholic Charities Work Ready as well as the fulfillment of a family self-sufficiency plan are also required to get financial aid. Staff will help the struggling person identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the attainment of long-term employment. Issues addressed range from accessing child care in New Haven County to transportation and job readiness.
Locations and applying to Catholic Charities in New Haven County
There are multiple centers in the community for youth, adults, the elderly and others. The main locations are.
Centro San Jose Family Center is at 290 Grand Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06513-3723. Call 203-777-6771
Catholic Charities Child Development Center is for youth, infants, and parents with young kids. 790 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511-4941. Phone number is 203-772-1131
Family Center is at 501 Lombard Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06513-2910. Dial 203-787-2207
Social service center at 423 Ferry Street, New Haven, CT 06513. For information, call 203-691-1538
|
