Herron Keyon Gaston

Important Resources

STATE SENATOR

Herron Keyon Gaston

“Empowering Communities, Driving Change”

Dear Neighbor,

I reach out to you in the spirit of brotherly love. I have some important resources you may find helpful during this difficult time. We’re in this together, so don’t hesitate to also call my office at (860) 240-0591 or email me at gaston@senatedems.ct.gov.

Useful Contacts:

 

HOUSING

Department of Housing: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford CT 06106-7106, Phone Number (860) 2708262

 

Bridgeport Housing Authority: Information on subsidized housing, senior housing, and homeless shelters. (203) 337-8900

 

Stratford Housing Authority: 295 Everett St, Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 375-4483

Information on subsidized housing, senior housing, and homeless shelters. (203) 337-8900

 

The Relocation and Housing Hardship Program: Bridgeport Health and Social Services department aims to aid individuals who have received an eviction notice or are encountering hardship cases that may lead to eviction. Those in need of assistance, or know someone in a similar situation, call (203) 576-7680.

2-1-1:  If you are currently experiencing homelessness or need assistance finding shelter, please visit 211ct.org or call 211 and select option 3 for a referral.

Warming Center: Alpha Community Services YMCA at the Southend Community Center, 650 Park Avenue in Bridgeport.  (203) 366-2809.

 

Home For the Brave: The Annex provides an open-access drop-in center catering to Veterans facing homelessness or housing issues that may exacerbate their situation. The programs and services are tailored to meet individual needs, and all Veterans and their families residing in the Greater Bridgeport area are welcome to take advantage of them. One Lafayette Circle, Suite 100, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 275-0600

 

Rental Assistance Program (RAP) Also known as Section 8: A program supported by the state to help families with very low income afford safe, sanitary, and adequate housing in the private market. Under this program, participants have the freedom to search for their own housing, which may include apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. They are not limited in their choice and may select any private rental housing that meets the program’s standards. Please note: DOH’s RAP waitlist reopens every September. Please call 2-1-1 or register online at cthcvp.org

 

ENERGY

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): You may receive between $250 to $600 towards your heating bill, depending on your income level, household size, and whether there is a vulnerable member in your household. Contact Alliance at (203) 366-8241.

 

FOOD PANTRIES/SOUP KITCHENS

Stratford Mobile Pantry: Holy Name of Jusus Christ. Stratford CT. 1950 Bamum Avenue, Stratford. CT 06605 (203) 385-4090

St. James Catholic Church: 2110 Main St. Stratford, CT 06615
(203) 375-5887

Black Rock Food Pantry: 2676 Fairfield Ave. 06605 (203) 610-1222. Saturday 9a.m. to 11a.m. Bring ID.

Bridgeport Rescue Mission: 1088 Fairfield Avenue, 06605 (203) 333-4087. Food Pantry: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. – Noon and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Soup Kitchen: Breakfast is available Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Lunch: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Feed the People Food Pantry: 301 Bostwick Ave., 06605 (203)258-5403. Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

King’s Pantry: 30 Florence Street, 06607 (203) 335-9255.
Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

nOURish Bridgeport: 2200 North Ave, 06604 (Brick Building — Enter on North Ave only — one way street) (203) 335-3107. Food Pantry and Diaper Bank: Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Salvation Army: 30 Elm Street, 06604. Appointment only. Must call (203) 334-0995) Food Pantry: Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Must bring a valid ID.

St. John’s Episcopal Church: 768 Fairfield Avenue, 06604 (203) 335-2999. Food Pantry: 2nd & 4th Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Soup Kitchen: Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Bishop Jean Williams Food Pantry: 4 Worth Street, 06604. Appointment only. (203) 873-0260 Food Pantry: Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6p.m.

Thomas Merton House: 43 Madison Ave., 06604 (203) 3367-9036. Food Pantry: Every other Wednesday 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Soup Kitchen: Monday – Friday Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Lunch from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

CW Resources – Bridgeport Nutrition Program:

Meals on Wheels: 215 Warren St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, (203) 332-3264

 

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Office of the City Attorney: 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-5::00 pm, (203)-576-7647,  tyisha.toms@bridgeportct.gov

SLS: 1-800-453-3320 (toll free) or 860-344-0380

CT Legal:1000 Lafayette Blvd, 9th Floor, Bridgeport, CT 06604, (203) 336-3851.

 

Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants: 670 Clinton Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06605. (203) 336-0141

Center for Family Justice: 753 Fairfield Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06604. (203) 334-6154

 

EDUCATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMS

Bridgeport Board of Education: 45 Lyon Terrace Bridgeport, CT 06604. 203-275-1000.

 

Office of Higher Education: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 707, Hartford, CT 06103 (860) 947-1800

 

Postsecondary Career Schools (860) 947-1816

 

Alternate Route to Teaching Certification (860) 947-1300 ohe.arc@ct.gov

 

Connecticut Commission on Community Service (AmeriCorps) ohe.servect@ct.gov

 

Student Financial Aid (860) 947-1855 ohe.sfa@ct.gov

 

Veterans Program Approval and Benefits (860) 947-1831 ohe.veterans@ct.gov

 

Bridgeport Police Activities League: Youth, Recreation programs -Trumbull

Bridgeport Police Activities League offers athletic programs and recreational activities for Bridgeport children and youth year- round. Activities include basketball, boxing, color guard, police cadets, summer camp, Drum and Bugle Core, Easter Village, Haunted House, and Christmas Village. Address: 2 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611 Hours: M-F: 8:30am-3pm (203) 576-7604 Email(s): paltrumbull@aol.com

 

Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders: Community Awareness Program – Program allow youth to participate in various enrichment activities including food and toy drives for children at local shelters, visits to nursing homes, and annual bone marrow and blood drives. Address: 1067 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, Hours: M-F: 10am-3pm Phone Number: Voice (203) 913-0073 Website(s): www.bcyl.org

Bridgeport, City of Lighthouse Program: Afterschool Program. The Program offers after school homework support, tutoring, cultural, and recreational activities for children and youth in grades K-12 at different school locations throughout Bridgeport. Each site is operated by a partner agency under contract with the City of Bridgeport. Address: 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport, CT 06604, Hours: M-F: 3-5pm, Phone (203) 567-7252,  www.thelighthouseprogram.org

Summer Youth Employment Program: The program places youth ages 14 through 21 in jobs, working four (4) hours a day for approximately five weeks. Youth are trained prior to starting their job in areas related to job readiness skills, working with younger children, life skills, conflict resolution, and team building strategies. The training is offered by area professionals and provide youth with an overview of employment expectations.

Bridgeport Public Education Fund MAACS Program: 271 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. 06604, (203) 331-0551, www.bpef.org

The College Place: (203) 335-0381, Housatonic Community College B110

Fairfield County Community Foundation: 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854, (203) 750-3200, www.fccfoundation.org

Village Initiative Project (V.I.P) : 1000 Lafayette Boulevard, Suite 410, Bridgeport, CT. 06604, (203) 394-6688

 

Scholarship Sources

www.collegeanswer.com

www.fastweb.com

www.fafsa.com

www.salliemae.com

www.collegscholarships.org/financial-aid/

Scholarships for International Students

“No Essay” College Fund Scholarship

United Negro College Fund Scholarship

Scholarships America

 

Free Community College Tuition

CT State Community College at ctstate.edu/apply and complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA at FAFSA.gov, selecting CT State’s 007635 federal school code; there is no separate application to receive the free tuition benefit. Connecticut residents with a CT high school diploma or GED and who register for at least six credits will automatically be eligible for free tuition. Free tuition is an option even if no other financial aid is awarded, as long as funds remain available.

 

Free Tuition Eligibility:

1. Be a graduate of a public or private Connecticut high school (GED and homeschooled students qualify).
2. Individuals who attended a college other than CT State or one of its former community colleges in fall 2020 or later without graduating are now eligible.
3. Fill out a FAFSA form and accept all awards.
4. Enroll in six credits or more at CT State Community College campuses.

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

Department on Aging: Bridgeport Department on Aging ensures that all Bridgeport Seniors will be able to reach their full potential by providing opportunities for socialization, elderly education, information and referrals and other supportive services. Monday – Friday 8:00am-3:00 pm 307 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 576-7993 marie.heller@bridgeportct.gov

Black Rock Senior Center: The center’s activities include bingo, tai chi, chair exercises, and chat sessions. 2676 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport CT, 06605, Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-3:00 pm (203) 576-7258

East Side Senior Center: activities include dominoes, bingo, and arts and crafts. A pool table and a computer room are accessible to all our members. A vegetable garden is also to be launched this Spring. Monday-Friday: 8:00 am -3:00 pm 268 Putnam Street, Bridgepoint, CT, 06608 (203) 203332-4217

Eisenhower Senior Center: The center offers a wide range of activities, including bingo, ceramics, and line dancing, to keep you engaged and entertained. In addition, it provides access to a computer room, billiards table, and exercise equipment.  Monday-Friday: 8:00 am -3:00pm. 307 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (2030 576-7993. Senior transportation services are available only within the City of Bridgeport and are limited to transportation to and from the centers.

 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Stratford Health Department:  468 Birdseye Street, Stratford, CT 06615

Health Department (203) 385.4090

 

Stratford Community Health Center: 727 Honeyspot Road, Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 375-7242

 

Bridgeport Health Department: 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 576-7680

 

Bridgeport Hospital: 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610, (203) 384-3000
www.bridgeporthospital.com

Hartford Healthcare/Saint Vincent’s Medical Center: 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606 (203) 576-6000
www.stvincents.org

Counselling

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County: 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT, 06606 203-416-1503, www.ccfairfield.org

Child and Family Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport: 180 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 394-6529

CT Renaissance Inc.: One Waterview Drive, Shelton, CT. 06484 (203) 336-5225 www.ctrenaissance.com

LifeBridge Community Services: 475 Clinton Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 (203) 368-4291 lwww.lifebridgect.org

GBAPP- Housing, Outreach & Education:1470 Barnum Ave, Suite 301
Bridgeport, CT 06610 (203) 366-8255 www.gbapp.org

St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services: 2400 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606 (203) 362-3900 http://www.stvincentsbehavioralhealth.org/

Southwest Community Health Center, Inc.: 968 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 (203) 330-6000, www.swchc.org

SWCHC School Based Health Centers: Located at various schools in Bridgeport, 203-224-8833

The Center for Women and Families: 753 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) -334-6154 www.cwfefc.org

Youth In Crisis (Janus Center) Safe Place for Runaway Youth: 24hr Hotline
203-374-9473, Main Office, 1718 Capitol Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. 06604

Fathers for Life-Fatherhood Initiative Program: Provides life skills, parenting skills, advocacy, and support for all interested parents. Services are offered in the greater Bridgeport area. Programs include intensive case management, counseling, parenting education, domestic violence prevention, conflict resolution/anger resolution, wellness education, and health screenings. A program for couples is also available. 350 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, 06604 (203) 334-5627

Fitness: YMCA, 850 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 334-5551
www.cccymca.org

 

OTHER GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

Department of Social Security: 752 E Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06608 (203) 576-8247

Department of Motor Vehicles: 95 Sylvan Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606 (Use 60 North Avenue for GPS Searches)

(860) 263-5700

 

Bridgeport Police Department: 300 Congress Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. (203) 581-5100. Email: bptpd@bridgeportct.gov

 

Stratford Police Department: 900 Longbrook Avenue, Stratford, CT 06614 Routine Calls (203) 385-4100, CONFIDENTIAL T.I.P.S. 
(203) 375-8477 desksgt@townofstratford.com

 

Mayor of Bridgeport, Joseph P. Ganim: 999 Broad St
Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203)576-7201 mayor@bridgeportct.gov

 

Mayor of Stratford, Laura R. Hoydick: 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 385-4001,  mayor@townofstratford.com

 

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy: Colt Gateway 120 Huyshope Avenue, Suite 401, Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 549-8463

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal: 90 State House Square, 10th floor, Hartford, CT 06103 (860) 258-6940

U.S. Congressman Jim Himes: 350 Fairfield Ave. Suite 603, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203)333-6600 or 866) 453-0028