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.
Make sure to like Hamden Patch on Facebook and follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!
Obviously from the above statement Mayor Jackson is aware of the ECONOMIC CRISIS and how hard it has hit MANY HAMDEN RESIDENTS! So WHY then is his answer to EVERYTHING to CONSTANTLY RAISE TAXES? Shouldn't he be holding a strict line with department heads, as well as the board when planning the budget? WOULDN'T/SHOULDN'T his MAIN CONCERN be the RESIDENTS OF HAMDEN and their ability to afford to stay in their homes, pay their utilities, and meet the rising costs of medication and food? If the grant has been double since last year, someone is obviously aware of the CURRENT CRISIS IN HAMDEN. Why isn't that THE MAYOR? When will He be doing HIS PART in ASSISTING HAMDEN RESIDENTS BY CURBING HIS CONSTANT DECISION TO APPROVE OVER FUNDED BUDGETS IN A TIME WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE IS BEING CUT BACK?