This division is responsible for state-wide coordination of the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), Community Services (CSV) and Human Resource Development (HRD) Grants. These programs provide grants-in-aid to municipalities and non-profit organizations providing a variety of social services programs.  In addition, the Division is responsible for the Neighborhood Facilities grant program which provides grants from state bond funds to municipalities or qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service agencies for capital improvements such as child day care centers, shelters for victims of domestic violence, emergency shelters for the homeless, transitional housing, residential facilities for populations at risk, multi-purpose centers and food distribution facilities.

 

The Community Services Division develops and oversees the administration of various human services program and grants. These include:

 

 

 

 

Brief Program Descriptions:

 

Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)

 

Through this federally-funded program, the Department may provide funds to community based programs operated by local municipalities and non-profit agencies with the purpose of eliminating poverty.

 

 

Through this program, the Department may provide funds for services similar to the above SSBG program using state general funds within current annual funding allocations in a variety of areas such as those listed below:

 

 

Through this state-funded program the Department may provide funds to community based  programs run by local municipalities and non-profit agencies with the purpose of eliminating poverty through developing employment opportunities, and improving human performance, motivation, productivity, physical and mental health, and well-being, or by bettering the conditions under which people live, learn and work.

 

 

Emergency shelters are funded to provide shelter and case management services to homeless individuals at least 18 years old or emancipated minors and families.

 

Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (AID)

 

This program provides four (4) types of categories of programs:  Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living, Independent Living and Supported Living programs.  In addition to providing housing and shelter, case management services are provided to clients. Eligible clients are individuals or families with HIV/AIDS who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Services provided are designed to increase the client’s stability and to provide case management services along with assistance with activities of daily living.

 

 

This program provides provide clients with transitional living  assistance – this is defined as a multi-family or single room residency program with intensive support services for homeless individuals and/or families, for a period of 6 months to 2 years.  Intensive support services include case management services and other activities, to assist clients in gaining self-sufficiency and moving into permanent housing.

 

Beyond Shelter Program (BSP)

 

This program assists homeless individuals and/or families who are leaving homeless shelters and transitional living programs to achieve housing stability by providing the services and activities with independent living.

 

 

Various miscellaneous human service programs

 

 

This program assists low-income Hispanic individuals and/or families with employment, training and other social services support needs and assists clients towards becoming economically self-sufficient.

 

 

Through this program – the Department  may provide grants from state bond funds to municipalities or qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service agencies for capital improvements in such areas as child day care centers, shelters for victims of domestic violence, emergency shelters for the homeless, transitional housing, residential facilities for populations at risk, multi-purpose centers and food distribution facilities.  Funds are limited to acquisition, construction and/or renovation costs.  Funds cannot be used for program operation or to pay off existing indebtedness. 

 

 

Energy Assistance

 

This program assists low-income residents with fuel assistance.  Please follow link:
http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&q=305192

Weatherization Assistance

 

This program assists low-income families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.  Please follow link:
http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&q=305196

Refugee Assistance

 

This program provides various social services designed to promote economic self-sufficiency to refugees who have resettled in the United States within the last five (5) years and reside in the State of Connecticut.  Please follow link:

http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&pm=1&Q=413292

 

For additional assistance regarding services and programs in your community – please call Infoline at 211 or follow the link below:

http://www.infoline.org/