As a service to our volunteers, CAC is creating a resource list for you to help the children and families we advocate for. As we are gathering these from a variety of sources, including volunteer suggestions, please verify the information yourself before sharing it with children/families. Please contact us with any updates/inaccuracies and we will make the necessary changes.

​Education

Free Internet Access

Food Security Resources

If you have clients who are dealing with food insecure and have yet to enroll in SNAP, they can call the EHC! SNAP Call Center, information below:

EHC! SNAP Call Center Hours (English & Spanish – 866.974.7627):
SUN 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MON 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
TUES – THURS 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
FRI 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
SAT 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Expensify.org will match SNAP groceries up to $50 for Families on SNAP

For families that are already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Expensify.org is going to temporarily redirect all of its charitable funds to Expensify.org/hunger. With its ability to reimburse volunteers directly in real-time, Expensify.org is uniquely positioned to help families in need immediately. Until today, this fund was focused on paying off kids' "lunch debts" , but with schools closed around the nation, that isn't the top priority. Instead, Expensify.org has set up a new matching program for SNAP grocery purchases up to $50 per family.

Details for signing up for the Expensify program for families:

  1. Purchase food as normal with your SNAP card

  2. Download Expensify on iOS or Android, for free

  3. Join the Expensify.org/hunger policy

  4. SmartScan the receipt, which will tell us how much you paid and show that it was paid for with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card

  5. Submit it to volunteer@expensify.org

  6. Set up your bank account to receive the funds

So long as they have funds available, Expensify will reimburse up to $50 per family (one time), the very next day.

Shelter, permanent supportive housing, and rapid re-housing providers having issues accessing food for your clients can email Robin Lamott Sparks, Executive Director at End Hunger CT at rlamottsparks@endhungerct.org for assistance advocating for necessary resources.

Additional Resources from DHMAS and SAMHSA

Healthcare

  • Telemedicine Services Expanded Under COVID-19. The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) is implementing changes in Medicaid/HUSKY Health that will support Connecticut’s COVID-19 preparedness and response through increased access to health services. For approximately 850,000 enrolled residents, DSS will now cover identified telemedicine services.

  • Connecticut announced that Access Health CT is opening a Special Enrollment Period starting March 19, through April 2. Coverage is available for uninsured Connecticut residents who don’t otherwise receive insurance through their job or become unemployed. The only way to sign up for this Special Enrollment Period is by calling 855-365-2428.

Court Information

​The Judicial Branch implemented a mitigation plan that has greatly reduced the daily business at every court location statewide.

DCF Information

  • Click here for updates from the Department of Children and Families regarding COVID-19 (including archive of daily DCF emails)

  • Have a question concerning the Coronavirus and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families?  E-mail:  DCF.COVID-19@ct.gov

  • CT Mirror article on 3/23/20: Connecticut’s most vulnerable children even more at risk during coronavirus crisis

  • To further their efforts in supporting and empowering families, DCF has collaborated with the United Way and
    community providers to establish a "When it Builds Up, Talk it Out" campaign. Any parents who wish to access supports are invited to call 833-258-5011 and engage with trained professionals who will listen and speak with them about their concerns. If additional help is needed, they will be referred to community based services.
    The support line can also be accessed via cell phone by visiting www.talkitoutct.com and clicking on the link to be
    connected to the same caring professionals.
    The "Talk It Out Line" is available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and on weekends from 1 pm to 8 pm and has both English and Spanish capacity. 

  • DCF announced on 4/22/20 that services to all youth in care will continue, including youth who would normally be
    aging out of the Services Post Majority programs, until at least 9/1/2020. Click here for more info.

Unemployment

  • If you become unemployed due to coronavirus, you should file for unemployment benefits through Connecticut's Department of Labor. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus for workers and employers click here.

Utilities

Mental Health Resources

Housing Protections

  • Procedures for evicting tenants in Connecticut’s housing court have been suspended until at least April 1. This
    means that people facing evictions may get some relief. If a person has an eviction pending, they can call the housing authority where their home is located or Statewide Legal Services for more information at 800-453-3320

  • CT.gov COVID-19-related info for Homeowners and Renters

Comprehensive list of resources from the CT Governor’s Task Force on Justice for Abused Children and The Village for Families & Children

  • Click here for link to thevillage.org

  • Categories of resources include:

    • For Families, Parents and, Caregivers

    • For Children

    • For Providers/Professionals

    • For Communities

    • Fitness Resources

    • Journals Articles, Chapters & Media

    • Misinformation About the Virus

    • Additional Resources

Keeping Babies Safe and Supporting Parents during COVID-19

  • Every month there are many newborns entering the world during the COVID shut down! They and their parents need reassurance, guidance and support. The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) and Office of Early Childhood (OEC) are pleased to share with you this resource guide for new parents in English and Spanish. Many stakeholder groups supported the effort to put this informational resource packet together so that families could readily know the many supports and services available to them. 

 

Information is this document focuses on:

  • Tips for new parents

  • Keeping their baby safe

  • Taking needed time

  • Basic needs resources

  • How to connect with others for support

  • Obtaining emotional support

  • National resources

  • COVID specific resources

  • White Facebook Icon

© 2023 by Roundhouse. Proudly created with Wix.com