Tax Preparation Assistance / Earned Income Tax Credit (VITA)
TVCCA provides free tax preparation services for low to moderate income families and individuals. IRS trained volunteers prepare and e-file personal income taxes at no charge to the taxpayer!
Visit these links to VITA or 211 for more information!
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Addressing Homelessness
The Problem
Homeless Americans include representatives from all segments of society... old and young; men and women; single people and families; city dwellers and rural residents; whites and people of color; able bodied workers and those with serious health problems. This is true even in Southeastern CT.
As revealed by CT Counts 2008, an annual one day "Point-In-Time" collection effort of statewide homelessness data conducted most recently on January 30, 2008, a minimum of 201 households in New London County were facing homelessness at the start of the year. This number accounts for 6% of the state's homeless population. Undoubtedly, the numbers have since increased due to the current economic crisis, though new data will not be available until CT Counts 2009 scheduled for January 28, 2009. Learn more about 2008 regional data here.
UWSECT efforts
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United Way's multi-million dollar support of a network of partner program is fundamental to preventative efforts which support those at risk of becoming homeless. Last year, in FY09, UWSECT distributed over $2.3 million dollars to 16 agencies working to address the problems that are contributing factors in homelessness. In addition, $506,759 in donor designated funds was available to support the overall work of these agencies. |
The Ten Year Plan
Additionally, United Way of Southeastern CT (UWSECT) is a founding member and key collaborator in the Southeastern CT Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness (TYP). This action plan was launched in 2006 and is organized into three components: Housing, Safety Net and Employment & Income. Each component has a working committee which acts toward related goals, measures and action steps with oversight led by a Steering Committee made up of various stakeholders and community leaders.
Part of a national movement initiated by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Conference of Mayors, and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness-- Ten Year Plans are meant to tie state and local level efforts together to transform a community's homeless assistance system as well as the ways that the community responds to people facing a housing crisis. Nationally, over 300 communities are implementing plans. In Connecticut, Southeastern CT is among 9 Ten Year Plans in various stages of implementation.
Go to the CT Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) site to read the Ten Year Plan.
Current Status of the Plan
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Plan subcommittees meet periodically and work together on two community care teams (New London and Norwich) which provide collaborative case management to currently homeless and at risk individuals. The success in establishing a New London care team was one the major goals which has been met. Additionally, since 2006, the team has been able to secure funding and create 49 additional units of permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless. The Steering Committee of the Southeastern CT Ten Year Plan reviews ongoing progress at a monthly meeting. |
View a PowerPoint to access a more detailed report of progress here.
For more information on the TYP or to join the effort please email or call current TYP Co-Chairs Tom Hyland (Director, Martin House and Thames River Community Service) at (860) 887-3288 or Bev Goulet (Director, Norwich Human Services) at (860) 823-3778.
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