A $31,000 grant to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness contributes to emergency aid for displaced families from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands residing in Eastern Connecticut.
NEW LONDON, CT -- Since Hurricane Maria devastated the U.S. commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, it is estimated that 3,500 to 5,000 Puerto Rican families have relocated to Connecticut, including more than 100 families currently residing in Eastern Connecticut and registered with FEMA as hurricane survivors. With emergency Transitional Shelter Assistance support from FEMA set to expire in March, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) and the statewide 211 infoline are developing a coordinated, statewide response to help displaced families who might otherwise face homelessness.
Two anonymous donor advised funds at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (CFECT) have awarded a combined $31,000 to support CCEH’s emergency assistance response in Willimantic, New London, and Norwich. Local nonprofits, coordinated through 211, will provide families with case management and can access the emergency assistance funds to provide targeted, short-term assistance to help families return home or secure new housing.
“Helping families navigate existing housing options is both less costly than entering an emergency homeless shelter and less traumatic,” explained CCEH Executive Director Lisa Tepper Bates.
“CCEH is a trusted and proven partner in supporting basic needs and rights,” affirmed CFECT President Maryam Elahi. “Our fellow citizens from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will be met with dignity and a chance to move forward, whether they seek to establish a new life here or return home. We are grateful to our compassionate and generous donors for their deep commitment to human rights for all residents of Eastern Connecticut.”
Displaced families from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in need of assistance are urged to call 2-1-1.
Serving 42 towns and comprised of 495 charitable funds, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut puts philanthropy into action to address the needs, rights and interests of the region. CFECT stewards assets of $82 million and has awarded more than $50 million in grants and scholarships to area nonprofits and students since its founding in 1983. To learn more, visit cfect.org.
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Contact:
Pamela Mola
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
pamela@cfect.org
860-442-3572
Website: www.cfect.org