NEW- Branford HeatSmart Program Heat Pumps for Saving Money and the Environment
As part of its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions, Branford has partnered with Peoples Action for Clean Energy (PACE) to encourage the adoption of energy and money saving, low emission heat pump systems to heat and cool homes in our community. This will take the form of a public service program called HeatSmart.
There are two steps to HeatSmart:
1) A Home Energy Solutions audit from Eversource that evaluates the energy efficiency of homes and recommends specific actions to improve them.
2) Information about an approved heat pump installer who can be contacted by the homeowner. We will follow this initiative with a program on solar energy.
HeatSmart’s goal is to promote clean energy by informing home owners and encouraging them to invest in clean, efficient, and economical heat pump energy systems. Participating in the HeatSmart program will save homeowners money while reducing the use of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions here in Branford.
Contact Jay Babina by June 7 if you would like to be part of this show.
NEW- Outreach Toolkit Special Enrollment Period for Qualifying Life Event
Access Health CT (AHCT) is on a mission to increase the number of insured residents in our state. Recently, Access Health CT has been focused on raising awareness of qualifying life events that could trigger a Special Enrollment Period, such as losing coverage because of job loss.
Access Health CT is asking for everyone's help to spread the word about this opportunity for Connecticut residents, and hope that community members will join them in empowering more people to learn how they can qualify for health coverage at this time.
To simplify information, Access Health CT has created a communications toolkit containing important content, messaging, and contacts. This toolkit includes information about our individual and small business options.
Content for upcoming webinars to help people understand how to compare premium costs on the Marketplace vs. COBRA
Information on where and when people can get live help
And more!
Need coverage now? Get started here, where you can learn more info about plans, enrolling, and Qualifying Life Events. Please email Access Health CT if you have questions.
Infrared Thermometers for Small Businesses and Nonprofits The State of Connecticut will be distributing 50,000 infrared thermometers it has secured for small businesses, nonprofits, and places of worship to support safe reopening activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entities that would like to request a thermometer can fill out the forms located at ct.gov/coronavirus in the “Access to Personal Protective Equipment” section, or through the links provided below:
IRS-Certified Volunteers Can Help You File Your Taxes For Free Through a Virtual VITA Program
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) coalitions across Connecticut are working hard to ensure that eligible households have access to free tax preparation assistance.
While VITA sites have closed – at least temporarily –free, online tax filing though virtual VITA platforms is now available statewide. The deadline to your file taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.
Eligibility for the Virtual VITA Program is the same as traditional VITA. Households who earned $56,000 or less last year and have access to a smartphone or computer, internet/WiFi, and a valid phone number and email address, may utilize the Virtual VITA Program.
A warmline is a number you can call that will direct you to the resources or services you need. When you call Reach Out New Haven at (203) 287-2460 you will be answered by a trained professional. Our operators are experienced in providing mental health guidance and can connect you to outsourced hotlines or agencies if needed. During the COVID-19 crisis you deserve a compassionate listener who can lend an ear about your stress and point you in the right direction for whatever resources you might need.
This warmline is available Monday-Thursday from 8:30am to 7:00pm and Friday from 8:30am to 6pm.
COVID-19 Testing Pruebas para detectar el COVID-19
Testing is free and open to everyone.
You do not have to be experiencing symptoms to get tested.
Las pruebas son gratuitas y están abiertas para todos.
No tienes que demostrar síntomas para hacerte la prueba.
For appointments, call
Para citas, llame al 203-871-4179
Testing Site/El lugar de las pruebas:
Fair Haven Community Health Care
374 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT
How We Feel App The East Shore District Health Department is asking you to download the free app How We Feel, which lets you remain anonymous while letting epidemiologists know how you're feeling -- if you're sick or if you're fine. By checking in to say how you feel, you can help the health department re-open businesses safely. For more information, visit https://howwefeel.org/.
You can find the app in the App Store and at Google Play.
Branford Home Delivery Service The Town of Branford has initiated a program to help seniors and immunosuppressed people with their shopping needs. In cooperation with Caron's Corner and Big Y, this food delivery program is free to Branford residents. Those interested may contact Holly Lane at hlane@branford-ct.gov or call the Branford Counseling & Community Services Staff at 203.481.4248 Monday - Friday, 9am - 12noon to place an order. You will need to complete a Grocery Order Form (and prepared meals list from Caron's Corner if needed).
Help Out Take Out Program The Branford Rotary Club and Branford Counseling & Community Services are partnering to support our restaurants AND neighbors who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
To make a donation that will be used to purchase a restaurant gift card for a neighbor in need, visit theBranford Rotary Club’s website here.
If you are in need of a gift card,complete the application hereand send it to: Social Services Coordinator Mike Randi at mrandi@branford-ct.gov or Branford Counseling & Community Services, 342 Harbor Street, Branford, CT 06405. You will be contacted once your application is processed.
Helpful Resources
DIY Cloth Face Coverings Here you'll find a document on several ways to make cloth face masks and how to use them properly, from the East Shore District Health Department.
Looking for a Job? Check out JobNow, a resource which provides resume templates & examples, live job and interview coaches, live resume experts, career assessments and more. Blackstone Library cardholders can sign up for a free account by clicking on the link above.
In addition, the Workforce Alliance and American Job Center offices in New Haven, Meriden and Middletown are helping people out virtually. Click here to see what they are offering and how you can connect to their services.
Library Resource Page Check out thispage of resourceswe've put together for all kinds of fun activities and things to explore while you're stuck at home.
Yale New Haven Health Hotline Yale has opened up a call center for individuals with questions about COVID-19. Call833-275-9644. For more info, click here.
Sign up for State Alerts from the Governor Sign up here and get state news & alerts from the governor about Coronavirus and COVID-19.
Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information on the library closure and status of library programs.
We miss you and hope to see you soon. Until then, please stay well.
