Volume 06 | May 6th, 2020

Your Weekly News & Updates COVID 19 Resources Special Edition

Hello colleagues, committee members, volunteers, and friends! We are hearing from our coalition family that many people in our communities are struggling to have their basic needs met - things like food, shelter, financial stability, and safety . These insecurities and worries can cause stress and anxiety. Within our mission of promoting behavioral health and enhancing quality of life at every stage, we need to do our part to help. Be well and stay safe!

Visit our Website

Statewide Response to Coronavirus addressing food, shelter, financial and safety insecurities

Visit ct.gov for comprehensive statewide information and resources.

CHR's Hero Hotline . A free resource to help frontline workers and anyone struggling with ongoing stress of the coronavirus crisis.

  CTSafeConnect domestic violence hotlines Call 888-774-2900 24/7. Email and chat options also available.

Talk It Out line For parents and caregivers who need someone to listen, to understand and to talk your feelings out.

 The Department of Children and Families lists all resources for those experiencing food insecurity including local food services sites, school food distribution sites and the food bank mobile pantry schedule.

To make a child abuse or neglect report,  call 1-800-842-2288 (TDD: 1-800-624-5518)

 CTLawHelp offers free legal help to people of low income. Their coronavirus resource page addresses needs around housing, utilities, abuse, food, and work/employment. Resources listed in multiple languages.

CTCARES Programs Short-term programs to help families and child care providers. They offer access to child care, financial help, and more.

Regional Resources

Greater Danbury 

United Way of Western CT services 15 towns in the greater Danbury area. They provide multi-lingual resources for access to food, concerns about finances, childcare, and more. You can also donate .

The city has a designated COVID-19 web page with information on elderly services, access to food, heating and energy assistance, and income/financial stability resources. Get additional information on the Collection Site with instructions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Find out more about symptoms and testing. Follow Mayor Boughton on Facebook

The Dorothy Day Hospitality House has been feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless since 1982. They are accepting donations for the homeless shelter and PPE for first responders and employees. Email t.obrien@danbury-ct.gov

Greater Waterbury

United Way of Greater Waterbury services 10 towns in the greater Waterbury area. Their website includes an extensive list of health care, housing and food resources available in the area. The COVID-19 Response Fund is designed to support trusted, front line community organizations that meet the basic needs of local residents in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. The fund’s purpose is to complement the work of local officials and expand capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible through the nonprofit sector. Currently accepting donations.

The City of Waterbury has an info line for people who may have general questions related to coronavirus (COVID19): Call 3-1-1. The 3-1-1 hotline is a non-emergency telephone number that Waterbury residents can dial for information regarding municipal services to the City of Waterbury.

Greater Torrington

United Way of Northwest Connecticut services 26 communities across Litchfield County. Listed resources include housing, health care and food assistance. Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund which will immediately address the urgent household basic needs. It will rapidly deploy financial resources to individuals and families economically affected by the pandemic, including those who are out of work or have reduced work hours. Currently accepting donations.

 McCall Center for Behavioral Health's Resources List compiles information on internet and cell phone assistance, local food services for children and families, mental health supports for all ages and more.

 The Susan B. Anthony Project continues to provide 24/7 crisis and support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault across the northwestern corner of Connecticut. 24 Hour Crisis Line: (860) 482-7133

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has created a COVID19 guide  If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can reach out the CrisisText Line by texting CT to 741-741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.