SOCIAL SERVICES

The Town of Cheshire Human Services Department offers a variety of social service and assistance programs for our residents or all ages. Please review our programs listed below to see you if you or someone you know is eligible for assistance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING APPLICATION INFORMATION, CALL KRISTEN SCHECHTER AT THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 203-271-6690.

Please note that during the heating and holiday season, from October through January, our office experiences a significant increase in call volume and activity. Although we do our best to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner and all calls are important to us, we appreciate your patience during this extremely busy time as we do our best to serve each and every one of our clients. Should your call not be answered immediately or not returned during the same business day, please know that we will respond as quickly as possible. If your call is urgent in nature please do not hesitate to contact us again.

CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This program provides assistance to income eligible households in paying for their heating costs during the winter months. The Cheshire Human Services Department is an intake site for Cheshire residents, and applications are forwarded to New Opportunities for Waterbury for processing. Households are determined eligible based on state income and asset guidelines. Program eligibility is based on income, liquid assets and family size. Applicants must provide documentation of current income and assets of all family members, in order to apply for assistance. Documentation of assets include most recent checking, savings, credit union statements, stocks, bonds, CDs, IRAs, etc. Applicants must provide current primary heating source bill. All heat sources are considered, including oil, propane, electricity, gas and wood. Renters who have their heat included in their rent must provide rent receipts and a copy of their lease. State guidelines can be found on the Connecticut Department of Social Services website or by calling Infoline at 211.

Applications for the State of Connecticut Energy Assistance Program will begin on September 16, 2013 for the 2013-2014 winter season, by the Cheshire Human Services Department, 84 South Main Street. Please call the Human Services Department at 203-271-6690 to schedule an appointment; applications will be taken by appointment only.

Please note: All paperwork will need to be complete at time of appointment or application will not be submitted.

CHESHIRE FUEL BANK

This program provides assistance to Cheshire residents who are in an emergency situation. Funds for this program are provided by generous donations from individuals, religious groups, and civic organizations.

TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED RENTERS

This program offers a state subsidy to renters over the age of 65 or who are receiving Social Security Disability that meet guidelines based on their income and rent/utility expenses. Checks are sent by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management to these households to offset any increase in rent due to changes in property taxes that landlords pass on to the renters.

The CHESHIRE FOOD VOUCHER PROGRAM

This program provides food vouchers of $40 to certain local grocery stores to eligible resident households in need of perishable food items. Households can also be referred to the Cheshire Community Food Pantry. Funding for the Food Voucher program comes from the Cheshire Food Drive.

PARKS AND RECREATION FEE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

This cross-department program provides a reduction in the fees charged for income eligible families with children so that they can participate in the recreational and cultural programs offered throughout the year. Screening of household income determines the eligibility for this program. Fee reduction is granted by the Park and Recreation Department based on this certification.

"ADOPT-A-FAMILY" PROGRAM

The Cheshire Social Services annual "Adopt-A-Family" program is starting for the 2013 holiday season. This program is available to any Cheshire resident having financial difficulties. To receive food for Thanksgiving and/or food and gifts for children (16 and under) for Christmas applications must be completed by November 1, 2013.

Holiday Donors - Anyone interested in donating food items or gifts for the holidays, please contact Kristen Schechter, Town of Cheshire Social Worker at 203-271-6690. The deadline to contact us for Thanksgiving is November 1, 2013. All donations of food and gift certificates for Thanksgiving must be delivered to Social Services by November 11, 2013. To donate for the Christmas program contact the office by November 11, 2013.

BIRTHDAY BOXES

This program is available to parents experiencing financial difficulties. Boxes for their children provide everything needed for a birthday party such as cake mix, frosting, cups, plates, favors, candy, etc.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM

This program is available to any family experiencing financial difficulty. School supplies, backpacks and shoe vouchers are available. A limited supply of these items is available in August and September each year.

SOCIAL WORK & CRISIS INTERVENTION/SUPPORT

These services are provided by the Town Social Worker. Social services cases include individuals experiencing financial difficulties, seeking rental or mortgage assistance, facing shutoff notices on utilities, housing issues, legal referrals, food assistance, unemployment, and disability. In addition, in conjunction with the Cheshire Police Department, intervention is provided for individuals experiencing a variety of crises including domestic violence, family disputes, juvenile disputes, grief counseling, divorce, and custody issues.

SALVATION ARMY - CHESHIRE UNIT

The Salvation Army provides crisis assistance to needy residents. The Social Worker will meet with the client, make an assessment and provide assistance depending upon their needs. Vouchers to the Salvation Army Thrift Store are also available. During the month of December, volunteers assist with the kettle collection.

LOCAL TAX RELIEF

The Town of Cheshire offers a variety of Local Elderly Tax Relief Programs for eligible residents.