Connecticut was recently given a $5 million federal grant to expand a Department of Children and Families program aimed at reducing the number of children in foster care by supplying housing and services to homeless and needy families. Connecticut is one of five jurisdictions in the country to receive the award.
The program helps more than 500 families every year and gets families back together that have been separated due to unstable housing situations, according to a news release. The grant, awarded by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and four national foundations, means at least an additional 50 families will receive these comprehensive, intensive and evidence-based services.
The grant money will allow the program to expand enough to accommodate another 50 chronically homeless families. Targeted communities are in Eastern Connecticut where the need is greater than the current resources, including Norwich, Willimantic and Middletown. Additional families will be receiving services in the grant’s second year.
The housing program started in 1998 when the state helped caretakers recovering from substance abuse problems. It combines intensive case management services, behavioral health services and support for families who need assistance with stable housing. The program has grown to help families with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and other issues.
The Department of Social Services and local housing authorities supply housing vouchers to many of the families. Families pay up to 40 percent of their income toward rent.
Call 860-550-6300 for more information about the program.
