Local Resources (Updated 12/5/2022) – Health Improvement Alliance

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New Resource & Event Announcements

New SNAP Eligibility Change: As of October 1, 2022, the income levels to qualify for SNAP benefits have increased! Click here for more information. En español. Em português. Please also review the press release which details the increase in monthly SNAP dollars for all recipients, in response to the annual cost-of-living adjustment.

Healthy Lifestyles Program: The Fairfield Health Department is offering a FREE 13-week healthy lifestyles program. The program will run weekly on Wednesday evenings, as of October 12, focused on the following: weight loss, heart disease, diabetes/pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure prevention and management. Click here to see the program flyer for more details and registration information.

Food Assistance Resources

November Stratford Food Resources Calendar: Click here for a calendar of food access opportunities taking place in and around Stratford during the month of December.

Local Food Distributions: In partnership with CT Foodshare, multiple sites are distributing food biweekly across the region. Please refer to CT Foodshare’s Web Page for all details.

Bridgeport Food Assistance Resources: Click here for a calendar of verified food pantries and other food resources in and around Bridgeport and click here for a handout that features information on food pantries, soup kitchens, farmers markets and other food assistance resources in Bridgeport.

Milford Food Resources Directory: Click here for an easy-to-read guide of available food resources in the City of Milford.

Milford Food Distribution: *New Schedule* CT Foodshare in partnership with the Storehouse Project, Kingdome Life Christian Center, and Cornerstone Christian Center distributes a variety of FREE, fresh, and nutritious food to individuals and families every other Tuesday. Click here for further details for the remainder of 2022.

Fridgeport: An open access community refrigerator and pantry that is open 24/7, located at Kingdom Builders Impact Ministries, 219 James Street in Bridgeport. Click here for more details.

Homebound Food Delivery Resources: Click here for food resources for those individuals that are homebound.

SNAP4 CT Local Farmers Markets: SNAP4CT has created a map that shows details about CT farmers markets like the schedule, location, and if a market accepts SNAP/EBT payments. It also shows if a market has approval to accept WIC or Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons. Click here to access the interactive map.

United Way 2-1-1: You can visit the 2-1-1 website or call to be connected to resources including local food pantries/distributions, Covid testing, transportation, housing and much more.

Mental & Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Resources Guides: The Hub has created a thorough listing of behavioral health resources within the Greater Bridgeport Region, The Hub’s Resource Guide (SPANISH), which lists nonprofit & public-sector services for crisis, mental health and substance use disorders, and support programs, including a listing of free peer support groups. Click here to subscribe to their weekly newsletter.

Helping Our Children: Supporting Their Mental Health: This packet is designed to help families in crisis. This provides practical advice for parents of children who are depressed, anxious, suicidal and engaging in self-harm. This information highlights alternatives to the Emergency Department, how to locate counselors for your child, developing family plans, using school resources, etc. Click here to access the full guide and here to access just the list of resources.

Addiction & Recovery (The C.A.R.E.S. Group): The C.A.R.E.S. Group provides education, support, resources and hope for communities, families, and individuals who are affected by substance abuse and its devastating consequences. Click here for more information about weekly support groups and more.

2-1-1 Resources for Mental Health: The 2-1-1 website has comprehensive, up-to-date information on programs and services that can assist with mental health care. Click here for more information.

Suicide Prevention and Loss Support Groups: The Hub has created a list of resources to assist with suicide prevention and loss support. Click here for more details.

CT Stronger: Support coaches can help connect you with resources to keep your family safe and healthy. Support coaches can put you in touch with services that can help or listen if you want to talk with someone about how this pandemic is affecting you. Click here for more details.

Connecting to Care CT: CONNECTing Children and Families to Care is intended for families, providers and anyone else interested in enhancing CT’s children’s behavioral health system. Click here to view their website.

Healthy Lives Connecticut: Get information, tools, and screening for maintaining or achieving wellness, including emotional wellness, physical wellness, holistic wellness, financial wellness, and addiction recovery. Click here for more details.

Children’s Behavioral Health Plan: Find out how Connecticut is improving and integrating children’s behavioral health services, systems, and support into a comprehensive network of care. Click here for more details.

How to Talk About Vaping- A Discussion Guide for Parents: This guide was developed as a collaboration with several CT prevention Councils. Click here for the full guide.

Healthy Living

CT Dental Health Partnership: Call the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership at 855-CT-DENTAL (855-283-3682) M-F 8AM-5PM or visit their webpage to learn all about maintaining your oral health, including information or help in finding a dentist. For TTY call 711.

Get Healthy CT: Click here for a collection of nutrition education materials developed by dietetic interns from Yale-New Haven Hospital Center for Nutrition and Wellness just for Get Healthy CT.

HUSKY Health Members: It’s time to go back to the dentist, and it’s safe! Call the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership at 855-CT-DENTAL (855-283-3682) M-F 8AM-5PM or go to www.ctdhp.com for more information or help in finding a dentist. For TTY call 711.

Bridgeport Basics: The Bridgeport Basics are designed to help parents of young children learn 5 simple practices to help children grow and become be ready for preschool. Click here for more information.

CT Healthy Living Collective: The CT Healthy Living Collective is a statewide network of organizations and individuals working together to ensure CT residents have easy access to effective programs and services that promote healthy aging and improve social connection. Click here for information on classes and programs.

Covid-19 Resources

Vaccine Information

Boosters: Click here for current CDC guidance on booster shots.

Testing

City of Bridgeport
Yale New Haven Health
Hartford Healthcare
State supported testing sites
Click here for information about using at-home Covid-19 tests
Click here to learn more about the different types of Covid-19 tests

Links to Covid-19 information and resources from our partners:

Other

Covered CT Program: Some Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements are paying $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT, thanks to the Covered Connecticut Program created by the State of Connecticut. The Covered Connecticut Program now includes dental benefits and non-emergency medical transportation. If you qualify, the State of Connecticut will pay your portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to your insurance company (Anthem or ConnectiCare) and will also pay for the cost-sharing amounts that you would typically have to pay with a health insurance plan, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, and maximum out-of-pocket costs. Click here for more information.

Affordable Connectivity Program: This program helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. Click here for a handy guide goes through the benefits, who is eligible and how to apply or visit https://affordableconnectivity.gov for more information.

Financial Opportunity Centers (Bridgeport): Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) are career and financial coaching service centers that focus on the financial bottom line for individuals living with low-to-moderate incomes. The FOCs for Bridgeport are:

Career Resources, Inc. – Provides comprehensive solutions for employers and job seekers by strengthening the family unit through the dignity of work. Contact Angela Pellegrino at pellegrinogrant@careerresources.org
Building Neighborhoods Together- Creates safe, affordable housing, and provides comprehensive financial and housing counseling services to families with low- and moderate-income across Connecticut. Contact Doris Latorre at doris@bntweb.org.

Energy Assistance and Emergency Fuel: Alliance for Community Empowerment offers many services for residents in the area, including energy assistance. Click here to visit their website for more information.

Rent Assistance Programs: Click here for a list of rental assistance programs.

Legal Assistance: For Statewide Legal Services, contact (800) 453-3320 or for the Connecticut Fair Housing Center (860) 247- 4400 or (888) 247- 4401.

Transportation Assistance Information: The Kennedy Center’s Mobility Department is available by cell (203) 512-4174 for information on public transportation including paratransit, transit district updates/modifications, etc. You may also connect with Greater Bridgeport Transit, website here.

Job Training: The WorkPlace serves Southwestern Connecticut, helping people prepare for careers and strengthening the workforce for employers. Their programs include job training, career services and employment. Click here to visit their website and to learn about their many programs.

Have an upcoming event or Greater Bridgeport area resource to share? Email moreinfo@hia-ct.org

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