Resources for Connecticut – Need Help

National Resources

FOOD

• For immediate food assistance – Find a local food bank through Feeding America.
  • Are you eligible? Yes. The Feeding America network provides food to anyone who needs it without obligation, regardless of circumstance and it is free and confidential. Search by zip code or state, and contact the food bank that serves your area.
• Meals on Wheels – Delivers meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. Call 888-998-6325 or find a local provider here.
• Grocery stores special hours for seniors and immunocompromised.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Federal programs like SNAP, which currently helps 1 in 7 Americans, offer families the extra help they need to purchase nutritious food during difficult times.
  • Are you eligible? Find out if you are eligible and learn how to access your SNAP benefits. 
  • Need support applying for SNAP benefits? Feeding America can connect you with a local food bank’s application assistance program.
• Other food programs – Check here for other options shared by Feeding America.

HOUSING

• Find a local shelter through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME

• Understand options if you experience loss of income or have trouble paying bill or meeting other financial obligation. The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains actions you can take and programs that may help you set up an alternative repayment plan. (Leer en Español)
• Find details on your state’s unemployment insurance from the US Department of Labor. (Leer en Español)
• Domestic workers – Apply for emergency assistance here.
• Help paying bills – Call United Way at 2-1-1 or find a local United Way branch here.
• Rental assistance – Find rental assistance through government, non-profit or faith based groups here.

FOOD INDUSTRY AND OTHER HOSPITALITY WORKERS

• Emergency Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund – ONE FAIR WAGE provides cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.
• Grants to pay bills – Golden Rule Charity provides grants to help pay for rent, utilities, etc. directly to vendors. Must be employed in a restaurant/hospitality establishment for 6 months or more.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

• Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517).
• Find official information from the Center for Disease Control on what to do if you are sick or caring for someone.
• Find a checklist on how to prepare from the Center for Disease Control.

INTERNET

• All Xfinity Public Wifi Hotspots free and open to everyone – Available to everyone with access to an ““xfinitywifi” SSID. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. Non-Xfinity subscribers need to accept Terms and Conditions to access the network and repeat when requested to continue to receive free unlimited access. Please refer to the map below for available public hotspots.
• 60 Days Free Spectrum Internet for K-12 or college students – Available to households who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.
• 60 Days Free Comcast Internet Essentials package for New Members – Available to households with at least one member on a public assistance program or with a student in the National School Lunch Program or Head Start. Public assistance programs include Medicaid, Public Housing, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or NSLP (National School Lunch Program), LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), Veterans Administration Pension, or Tribal assistance.
• Low-cost Internet and Computers at EveryoneOn.org – Check availability on their site.

SIGN UP FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

• More than 1 in 5 Americans participates in government assistance programs every month.
• Apply for Unemployment Benefits
• Welfare or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Benefits and Financial Assistance from the Government
• Food Stamps (SNAP Food Benefits)
• Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Find out other government benefits you may be eligible for here.

Lost your job?

• Find a list of who is hiring right now posted on LinkedIn

Not sure what the latest guidelines are from your local government?

• Bloomberg Philanthropies has put together a list of local actions governments are taking here.