Town Grant Provides Rent, Mortgage, Utility Assistance

The town has recieved a $26,000 grant from the United Way's New Haven County's Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to help Hamden residents in need, according to Mayor Scott Jackson.

Of the funding, $15,000 will be going towards rent and mortgage assistance and $11,000 going towards utility assistance. The money can be used for making payments to prevent eviction or foreclosure and to prevent critical utility shutoff or to restore critical utility service for residents in need, according to EFSP.

The rent and mortgage assistance represents a 50 percent increase over the amount awarded last year as a result of an anticipated increased in need. The money comes at an important time, as the winter months are some of the most difficult for citizens to face without utilities or shelter. The money must be spent by March 31.

“The unfortunate reality is that there are now more people in our community requiring this assistance. I am thankful that we now have some additional resources to be able to help,” Jackson said. “Residents who need assistance should contact our Community Services Department immediately.”

For more information on qualifying for the grant, contact Hamden Community Services at (203) 562-5129.

Since its 1983 inception, the EFSP has distributed $3.8 billion to more than 14,000 human service agencies in more than 2,500 communities across the country.

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