Hartford – Spring may be here, but many of us are still worried about those home-heating bills! Do you know how you will pay to heat your home this year? Will you have the financial resources to do so?
If you are worried about how you will pay these big monthly expenses, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) may be able to assist you with your home-heating costs!
Fortunately, the deadline for all eligible households to apply for the CT Energy Assistance Program has been extended to Tuesday, June 15, 2021!
CRT can help individuals and families complete the application by phone, email, or in-person at our multi-service center in Hartford located at 395 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford.
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is available to both homeowners and renters living in Connecticut to help them cover their home-heating expenses during these difficult times.
CRT is encouraging everyone throughout the state of Connecticut to find out if they qualify for this FREE program.
Who qualifies to receive help from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program?
There are income eligibility requirements to qualify for the CT Energy Assistance Program, and the Community Renewal Team can help you check to see if you are qualified.
In fact, the income eligibility requirements, per household, are quite generous – there is no harm in checking to see if you qualify, and there’s no shame in using this important service!
According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, decisions regarding eligibility are based on the number of people living in your household. Specifically, household size includes both homeowners and renters that pay separately for heat; AND renters whose heat is included in the rent, as long as more than 30% of gross income is paid towards rent.
For example:
- For a single person, the income level is up to $37,645.
- For two people in the home, the income level is up to $49,228.
- For a household of 4 people, the income level is up to $72,394.
So again, many more people may be qualified this year than previously thought possible – it is worth checking to find out!
What types of home-heating options are covered by the CT Energy Assistance Program?
For those who qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, home-heating assistance pays for a household’s primary heating source, and this includes many different ways to heat your home. Heating sources include: oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, and even wood and wood pellets.
How do I apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program?
CRT maintains a call center with representatives ready to speak with individuals and help them complete their application over the phone. The call center representatives speak both English and Spanish.
If you live in Central Connecticut (i.e., Hartford County or Middlesex County), the fastest way to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is to call CRT’s Energy Assistance Hotline @ 860-560-5800.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, ALL Applications can be taken over the phone – this is for the health and safety of both CRT’s staff, and for the individuals applying for Energy Assistance.
Outside of Central Connecticut, please call 2-1-1 to find the Community Action Agency that can assist you.
CRT’s hotline number is: 860-560-5800, and it is available 24-hours a day – if you leave a message, someone will get back to you!
You can also visit the Energy Assistance Page for more information.
For more information, please contact CRT’s Communications Director, Jason Black at 860-230-4535.
CRT’s RSVP Medical Transportation Volunteer Program Provides Free Roundtrip Rides to Seniors and Veterans for Medical Appointments
Press ReleaseVolunteer drivers needed to bring seniors and veterans from their home to medical appointments and back home again in eight Connecticut communities
Hartford – The Community Renewal Team’s (CRT) Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking dedicated volunteer drivers for its Volunteer Medical Transportation (VMT) Program that brings seniors and veterans from their home to medical appointments and back home again – all for free!
“Our team of volunteer drivers take seniors and veterans from their homes to medical appointments and then back home again – providing true door-to-door-to-door service – at absolutely no charge to the participant,” said Theresa Strong, RSVP Program Manager for CRT.
The VMT program remained operational throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, providing more than 1,000 rides to seniors and veterans in need of this service last year. And now the service can provide transportation to COVID-19 vaccine appointments, too.
The RSVP Greater Hartford/Central CT Volunteer Medical Transportation Program has been bridging this transportation gap providing thousands of trips to seniors and veterans in multiple cities and town in Central Connecticut since its inception in January 2016.
The VMT program has grown to include eight cities/towns: Berlin, Cromwell, New Britain, Plainville, Southington, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.
Need a Ride from the VMT Program?
Seniors and veterans requesting rides for the first time call the RSVP office (860-519-3484) and provide initial client information along with anticipated future needs for this free service. From that point forward, they will be in our system and can simply call and provide their specific ride request when needed.
Start Serving as a Volunteer Driver Today
“You can help meet the transportation needs of seniors and veterans in the communities we serve by volunteering with RSVP as one of our regular drivers,” said Strong. “Seniors will greatly appreciate your service, because you make it possible for them to continue living in their own homes and still have access to all the medical services that they need.”
As a volunteer driver with the VMT program, you will be on an on-call list along with other volunteers. When new requests for service come in, volunteers receive a notification and can pick and choose the appointments that fit in with their schedule.
With this volunteer call-list system, we can provide seniors and veterans with access to a free, reliable, non-emergency medical transportation service.
To become a Volunteer Medical Transportation driver you must:
Mileage reimbursement: Funding is provided to reimburse volunteers of the Medical Transportation program for their mileage to and from their own residence.
Mileage reimbursement is paid to volunteer drivers from the time they leave their home to their clients’ destination and back at the rate of 36 cents per mile. (Note: This is less than the federal rate, so volunteers do not need to claim on their income taxes as income.)
Insurance for drivers: RSVP provides insurance coverage on all members through secondary personal liability and accidental death & dismemberment policies. Your coverage is in effect from the moment you leave your home, and while you are engaged in volunteer activities, until you return.
How to Get Involved: For more information about this valuable program – either to become a volunteer, or to request a future ride – please email Theresa Strong at: [email protected].
Funding for this program is provided in part by the Older Americans Act through the North Central Area Agency on Aging and AmeriCorps Seniors. In addition, annual donations are made from local cities/towns, and private citizens/businesses.
Editor’s Note: Staff from CRT’s RSVP are available for interviews about this free transportation program.
For more information, please contact CRT’s Communications Director, Jason Black at 860-230-4535.
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Donate to CRT with Birdies for Charity and See Your Gift Grow
Birdies for CharityHelp CRT grow the power of giving by donating through Birdies for Charity, where your donation will increase by 15% thanks to Webster Bank!
By raising money through Birdies for Charity, CRT will receive a 15% bonus on top of every donation given now through June 27, 2021!
Donate now!
When CRT raises money through the Birdies for Charity program, we will receive 100% of every donation collected, PLUS a 15% bonus on top of every donation, thanks to the support of Webster Bank.
For example, if we can reach the following:
2021 Collected Donation Goal: $5,000
2021 Bonus Bucks Program: $750
Total Funds Received in 2021: $5,750
You have until June 27 to donate to CRT through Birdies for Charity and help us receive an extra 15% from your donation!
Make your donation now!
And thank you for your continued support of our work in the community.
CRT Offers Tips for Personal Financial Recovery in Post-COVID World
NewsThe past year of the Coronavirus pandemic has left many people wondering how they will regain control of their personal financial situation after a year of difficulties and losses.
It has been reported that 51% of people think that it could take years to get their finances back on track, if they are able to do so at all.
CRT’s Director of Community Services, Elizabeth Horton Sheff, spoke with Len Besthoff from NBC Connecticut about how people can retake control of their finances and make a plan for the future.
Remember: There’s no shame in asking for help.
If you need a hand with your personal financial situation, CRT may be able to help you. Connect with our Community Services team for more information.
Complete details from the reporting above are available on the NBC Connecticut website.
CRT’s YouthBuild Employment Program for Young Adults Featured on ‘Beat of CT’
NewsThis past weekend, CRT was once again a guest on “The Beat of CT” with Jenny Boom Boom and DJ Meechie on Hot 93.7 FM. We talked about recruiting for our YouthBuild employment program, and the new June 15, 2021 deadline to apply for the CT Energy Assistance Program.
Give a listen to get all the details.
Over Past Year of Pandemic, Travelers Donates More Than 32,000 Hot Meals to CRT Clients
NewsOver the past year during the Coronavirus pandemic, Hartford-based Travelers has been donating hot lunches to CRT and other local charities.
CRT ensures these meals are then delivered to clients within its programs.
The Travelers donates 130 meals each weekday. To date, Travelers has provided more than 32,000 meals to CRT clients. Even better, the partnership will continue through the end of June 2021.
Ashley Afonso from Fox 61 shared this wonderful news with their viewers:
CRT’s 30th Annual National Arts Show
CRT’s 30th Annual National Arts Program show is now live online! We hope you will view and enjoy this special show featuring the work of both amateur and professional artists – young and old! – from across Central Connecticut.
From the online gallery, you can use the search function across a wide variety of options, including: artists name, title, medium, and key words. Those key words include:
Follow this link to view all of the work submitted to the art show now.
Featured Image: “Heritage Farm” by artist Weitao Wang, Intermediate category. Painting (oils, acrylics), 2021.
CRT Thanks Seven-Year-Old Superhero for His Act of Kindness
NewsSeven-year old Oscar started an organization to give back to others in need here in Connecticut. Specifically, he has been raising money to donate PPE to those that need these valuable supplies. On Wednesday, a large donation that he sent was given to the residents at CRT’s East Hartford Family Shelter.
Oscar calls his organization “Superheroes Are Found Everywhere” or “SAFE” for short, and he is truly a superhero to CRT!
Leslie Mayes from NBC Connecticut shared the story of this true act of kindness.
More details can be found in this story in the Hartford Courant.
You Can Still Apply for CT Energy Assistance Program; Deadline Extended to June 15
NewsGreat news for people living in Connecticut! The deadline to apply for the CT Energy Assistance Program is extended to Tuesday, June 15, 2021! The Community Renewal Team (CRT) can help individuals and families complete the application by phone, email, or in-person at our multi-service center in Hartford located at 395 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford.
CRT spoke with Kevin Nathan from NBC Connecticut about this important deadline extension, and how to apply for the program.
Featured photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash.
Application Deadline for CT Energy Assistance Program Extended to June 15, 2021 – CRT Can Help You Apply Now
Press ReleaseHartford – Spring may be here, but many of us are still worried about those home-heating bills! Do you know how you will pay to heat your home this year? Will you have the financial resources to do so?
If you are worried about how you will pay these big monthly expenses, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) may be able to assist you with your home-heating costs!
Fortunately, the deadline for all eligible households to apply for the CT Energy Assistance Program has been extended to Tuesday, June 15, 2021!
CRT can help individuals and families complete the application by phone, email, or in-person at our multi-service center in Hartford located at 395 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford.
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is available to both homeowners and renters living in Connecticut to help them cover their home-heating expenses during these difficult times.
CRT is encouraging everyone throughout the state of Connecticut to find out if they qualify for this FREE program.
Who qualifies to receive help from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program?
There are income eligibility requirements to qualify for the CT Energy Assistance Program, and the Community Renewal Team can help you check to see if you are qualified.
In fact, the income eligibility requirements, per household, are quite generous – there is no harm in checking to see if you qualify, and there’s no shame in using this important service!
According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, decisions regarding eligibility are based on the number of people living in your household. Specifically, household size includes both homeowners and renters that pay separately for heat; AND renters whose heat is included in the rent, as long as more than 30% of gross income is paid towards rent.
For example:
So again, many more people may be qualified this year than previously thought possible – it is worth checking to find out!
What types of home-heating options are covered by the CT Energy Assistance Program?
For those who qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, home-heating assistance pays for a household’s primary heating source, and this includes many different ways to heat your home. Heating sources include: oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, and even wood and wood pellets.
How do I apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program?
CRT maintains a call center with representatives ready to speak with individuals and help them complete their application over the phone. The call center representatives speak both English and Spanish.
If you live in Central Connecticut (i.e., Hartford County or Middlesex County), the fastest way to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is to call CRT’s Energy Assistance Hotline @ 860-560-5800.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, ALL Applications can be taken over the phone – this is for the health and safety of both CRT’s staff, and for the individuals applying for Energy Assistance.
Outside of Central Connecticut, please call 2-1-1 to find the Community Action Agency that can assist you.
CRT’s hotline number is: 860-560-5800, and it is available 24-hours a day – if you leave a message, someone will get back to you!
You can also visit the Energy Assistance Page for more information.
For more information, please contact CRT’s Communications Director, Jason Black at 860-230-4535.
Calling All Mural Artists! Make History in Hartford!
CRT is seeking proposals for a large-scale public mural to inspire the women we serve at our Women’s Empowerment Center and to honor the legacy of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) and other phenomenal women who have made historic contributions to the advancement of women’s rights.
The RBG-inspired mural will be painted at 330 Market St., Hartford – AND artists can use the whole building as their canvas!
All proposals are due by Monday April 5, 2021 at 1:00 pm!
Submit your plan today!