Where to Turn for Help in Southeastern Connecticut when you are between jobs

You can also download this information as a brochure.

Unemployment is not just a personal problem-it's also a community problem. There are a number of services, programs, and places to get help. It is important that you know where to get help, or how to find information about where to get help, in your community.

This pamphlet will help you during hard times. Remember, the most valuable resource you have is YOU. Hold your head up, keep a positive attitude and don't give up!

Don’t hesitate to apply for assistance for which you may qualify. Personal pride can make it hard to ask for help, particularly the first time. But remember, you’ve helped to pay for public assistance programs through your taxes while you were working, and you probably gave to your local charities. So you’re making your money work for you now when you need it. And we all need a little help at some time in our lives. Even companies get subsidies and tax breaks from the government during hard times. There is no reason you shouldn’t get help as well.

Are you a Dislocated Worker? Click here for additional resources to help navigate through this time of transition.

1. Notify All Creditors
Contact landlord(s), mortgage holders, banks, credit union, store accounts, credit cards and utility company before your account gets in arrears. Arrange for suspended or modified payments.

2. Labor Department

• Norwich: (860) 859-5600

• New London: (860) 439-7400
  www.ctdol.state.ct.us

NETWORK of Rhode Island: (401) 222-3584
www.networkri.org

3. CT Works

• Norwich: (860) 859-5777

• New London: (860) 439-7670

• United Labor Agency: (860) 612-2780

4. Department of Higher Education
Hotline: 1-800-842-0229

5. Veterans’ Administration
450 Main Street, Hartford, CT
1-800-827-1000

The Vet Center
60 Main Street, Norwich, CT
(860) 887-1755

NOTE: The State of Connecticut has a Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Mariners’ Fund in Southeastern CT (860) 886-8557 or http://www.ct.gov/ssmf/site/default.asp.

6. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern New England
They can help you plan a budget. (First contact your local credit union or bank to see if they offer such a service.) Call the Credit Counseling Service for an appointment: 1-800-208-2227

7. Connecticut Legal Services
Call for an appointment in:

• New London: (860) 447-0323

• From anywhere else: (800) 413-7798

8. Social Security
If you are disabled or age 62 or older.

• 1 Thames Plaza, Norwich: (860) 888-7118

• 23 Shaw’s Cove, New London: (860) 443-8456

9. Health Services
Most hospitals have outpatient clinics, which are available to all people based on their ability to pay. Most hospitals are mandated under the HILL-BURTON ACT to provide free or low-cost emergency room and doctor’s care to people who cannot afford to pay. Ask for a HILL-BURTON application at the desk in the emergency room.

• William W. Backus Hospital
  Norwich: (860) 889-8331

• Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
  New London: (860) 442-0711

• Community Health Centers in
  New London: (860) 447-8304
  Old Saybrook: (860) 388-4433
  Groton: (860) 446-8858
  Norwich: (860) 885-1308

For Uninsured Children and Youth
The HUSKY Plan is Connecticut’s health insurance program for children. Every child needs quality health care and the HUSKY Plan offers a comprehensive health package for youngsters up to age 19. This may take the worry out of paying for health care. HUSKY provides free or low-cost health Insurance for families of all income levels. For questions and to apply call: 1-877-284-8759 or www.huskyhealth.com.

10. WIC
Pregnant women or children up to 4 years of age may be eligible for the State WIC Program. This is a supplemental food program for pregnant women and children.

• Call TVCCA:
  (860) 889-1365

If your insurance coverage runs out and you or your family is faced with hospitalization, be sure to ask to see a Hospital Social Worker. Every hospital
has a Social Services Department. The worker will
give you advice regarding the programs for which you might
be eligible.

11. State Assistance Programs
Medical, Food Stamps, temporary family assistance,
etc. contact CT Social Services toll free: 1-800-473-8909

12. City & Town Social Services

• Norwich: (860) 823-3778

• Groton: (860) 441-6760

13. Energy Assistance
Call TVCCA at (860) 889-1365
For home heating assistance call Infoline at 211 for a fuel bank in your town.

For these towns call Catholic Charities in:

• Norwich: (860) 889-8346

• New London: (860) 443-5328

14.Utility Shutoffs
If you are unable to arrange payments on your bill, be sure to contact the credit office of the company. Let them know your job status. Call the Gas or Electric Company to make payment arrangements.

If you are threatened with a shutoff, call the Department of Public Utility Control: 1-800-382-4586

Energy Assistance Hot Line: 1-800-842-1132

15. Surplus Food Distribution & Food Banks
For information on the agency in your area call:

• Infoline: 211 (By cell phone: 1-800-203-1234)

• Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center: (860) 444-8050
  We have a listing of free food distribution sites throughout New London County that receive food through the Food Center. Read more >>

16. Serve New England
If you eat, you qualify! The smart way to stretch your food dollar. Get two to three times more nutritious food for your money for only $20.00 plus two hours of community service. For more information on a Serve New England program in your community call:

• Main Number: (781) 828-5151

• Toll Free: 1-888-742-7363

• www.servenewengland.org

17. Additional Information
Child support and alimony payments–contact the Clerk of Court or anyone you are directly involved with. Write a note stating that you are out of work and cannot fulfill your obligation for the time being. Do not ignore this type of obligation. Contact your local church officials who sometimes have Hardship Funds available for parishioners in need.

18. Family Counseling
During times of unemployment, or whatever the cause may be, stressful situations can become difficult. Private and family problems can magnify and your family life may suffer. These programs are based on ability to pay. (The first three are United Way-funded agencies.)
Should you need helpful advice or guidance, contact the following:

• Catholic Charities
  Norwich: (860) 889-8346
  New London: (860) 443-5328

• Child and Family Agency
  New London: (860) 443-2896

• United Community & Family Services Southeastern CT: (860) 889-2375

• Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
  Mental Health Clinic
  New London: (860) 444-5125

• Backus Hospital Mental Heath Clinic
  Norwich: (860) 823-6321

19. Emergency Supplies for Your Children
For emergency formula and diapers for babies, small household and baby items, gently used clothing for children and adults contact Madonna Place, (860) 886-6600.

As long as you can get to Madonna Place in Norwich, you are welcome to what they offer for emergency supplies.

20. Ask your Union representative about information and referral services or programs that may be provided through one or more of the following:

• Your local union office

• Your local Union Community Services Committee

• A trained AFL-CIO Union Counselor in your union

• AFL-CIO Community Services Representative

You may wish to talk to someone you respect about your feelings. A friend, union counselor, clergyman, professional counselor, or doctor may help you sort out your feelings. Your local mental health center or family counseling agency (listed in this brochure) can help. Don’t be embarrassed to talk with someone.