Local Resources (Updated 2/23/2021) – Healthier Greater New Haven Partnership

Click here for the updated QR code handout for quick access to this page.

Covid-19 Vaccine, Testing & General Information

Covid-19 vaccination eligibility: Residents age 65 and older can now register for a vaccination appointment. On February 22, the governor announced a schedule for age-based eligibility for the next several months. Click here to read the latest press release from the governor. The planned schedule is as follows:

March 1, 2021: Expands to age group 55 and up (PLUS Educators and Child Care Providers, including Pre-K-12 Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, food service providers, school bus drivers and childcare providers as well as in-school administrative staff. Does not include individuals who are not required to work on-site in a school.

March 22, 2021: Expands to age group 45 to 54
April 12, 2021: Expands to age group 35 to 44
May 3, 2021: Expands to age group 16 to 34

Currently eligible for vaccination? For CT residents 65 and older, there are are three ways to register for the vaccination:

Online: A form can be accessed online at ct.gov/covidvaccine that allows individuals to schedule an appointment through the web-based Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS).
Telephone: Those without internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. NOW open 7 days per week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response.
Healthcare Provider: Many residents have already been or will be contacted to schedule an appointment by their healthcare provider if their provider is participating in the state’s vaccine program. Not all providers are administering the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are urged not to contact their physician or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments.
Still need help? Click here for more information on CT’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line.

Covid-19 Vaccination Information:

Click here to learn more about Connecticut’s Covid-19 vaccination phases and how and when you can access the vaccine.
Click here for facts about the vaccine from CT Department of Public Health.

What to Expect after a Covid-19 Vaccination: Here is a quick video from the CDC that explains what you need to know.

City of New Haven Covid-19 Updates: Click here to visit the City of New Haven Covid-19 Hub.

Connecticut Covid-19 Resources: Click here to visit Connecticut’s official Covid-19 website.

United Way 2-1-1: You can visit the 2-1-1 website or call to be connected to resources including local Covid-19 testing sites.

HUSKY Health Testing Resource List: HUSKY Health has put together a list of sites where you can get a free test for Covid-19. Click here for more information.

Center for Children’s Advocacy: Family Resources for housing, food, energy assistance – click here for English and click here for Spanish. Click here for additional information.

For Covid-19 updates closer to home, visit your local health department’s Covid-19 information page:

Food Resources

Food Distributions:

Free Food Distribution (Hamden): Tuesday, February 23 from 4:30 PM-5:30 PM at Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden. This is a drive up and go distribution provided by CT Food Bank/Food Share. One portion per car, while supplies last.
Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution (Milford): The March distribution will take place on Thursday, March 4 starting at 3:30 PM at 1455 Naugatuck Avenue in Milford.
United Way 2-1-1: You can visit the 2-1-1 website or call for more information on resources including local food pantries, Covid testing, transportation, housing and much more.
Breakthrough Church Community Soup Kitchen: Now open Monday-Friday from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM at 481 Shelton Avenue in Hamden (entrance on Butler Street). All meals will be packages to-go. Masks required. For more information, click here or call (203) 691-9296.
The CT Food Bank hosts several local mobile food pantry and milk/dairy express distributions each month. Click here to view the latest schedule. Check the CT Food Bank website often, as the schedule does change frequently.

New Haven Food Resources: Click here for more information on food resources in New Haven.

Hamden Food Assistance Resource Guide: Click here for an updated list of the available food resources in the Hamden area.

City Seed Winter Market: The annual winter market will run on Saturdays from January 9-March 27 from 10 AM-1 PM and be located at Conte West Hills School (511 Chapel Street, New Haven). Click here for more information and here to visit their website.

Online purchasing of food with SNAP benefits: The Department of Social Services worked with participating food retailers to offer online purchasing of food with SNAP benefits in Connecticut. SNAP enrollees are now able to use SNAP benefits available on their EBT debit-type card to purchase eligible food items online for delivery or curbside pickup at participating food retailers. Retailers approved for the initial launch are Amazon, including Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh; 12 Walmart stores and Wakefern Food Corp., with 21 participating ShopRite stores. Click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions or here for more information.

SNAP Call Center Hours for Older Adults: End Hunger CT can offer assistance to older adults in need of help with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Reach out to the EHC! Call Center to schedule an appointment during their new designated older adult hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-10 AM toll free at (866) 974-7627. If you leave a voicemail, state that you need an older adult appointment and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

Mental and Behavioral Health

How to Talk About Vaping- A Discussion Guide for Parents: This guide was developed as a collaboration with several CT prevention Councils. Click here for the full guide.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving: Click here to read the MADD January 2021 newsletter.

Coping with Dementia: This virtual program is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Register online at www.hamdenlibrary.org (click on “Programs”) or call (203) 287-2680. After signing up, you will receive a meeting link by email. Click here for more details.

Clifford Beers: Clifford Beers provides over 16 programs and services to help meet a variety of mental and emotional needs for children and families. Click here to view all of their online resources and click here to see their Covid-19 related resources. To access their new statewide, free support line dial 1-844-TALK-4CT or text “CTTALK” to 30241

Diet & Nutrition (Impact on Mental Health): The quality of the food you eat can impact your overall physical and mental health. Learn more about the importance of eating nutritious foods by clicking here.

2-1-1 Resources for Mental Health: The 2-1-1 website has comprehensive, up-to-date information on programs and services that can assist with mental health care. Click here for more information.

Teen Substance Use Resources: Click here for the extensive SURGE teen substance use resource guide for providers in the Greater New Haven region. This guide includes a list of support groups, telehealth options, emergency needs and much more.

Wellness Resources and Supports or Hamden Families: Click here for more information on resources available for Hamden families that include suicide prevention, domestic violence resources and more.

Connecting to Care CT: CONNECTing Children and Families to Care is intended for families, providers and anyone else interested in enhancing CT’s children’s behavioral health system. Click here to view their website.

Healthy Lives Connecticut: Get information, tools, and screening for maintaining or achieving wellness, including emotional wellness, physical wellness, holistic wellness, financial wellness, and addiction recovery. Click here for more details.

Children’s Behavioral Health Plan: Find out how Connecticut is improving and integrating children’s behavioral health services, systems, and support into a comprehensive network of care. Click here for more details.

Healthy Living

Free Online Workshop Available: The CT Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses is offering a free 1-hour online workshop to help community residents identify reliable and accurate health information on the internet. There are three chances to join an upcoming workshop Tuesdays, March 2, 9 or 25 at 6:00 PM. Click here for more details on how to register.

Virtual Couponing Club: Save more at the grocery store. The Hamden Public Library is hosting a virtual couponing club. This virtual program is free and open to the public and will meet at 6:30 PM every 2nd Thursday of the month. Upcoming dates include February 11 and March 11. Registration is required. Click here for more details.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: There are free early cancer detection services available for women who meet the eligibility requirements. Click here to view more details.

Get Healthy CT: Click here to read the latest monthly newsletter and follow Get Healthy CT on Facebook and Twitter for health and wellness information.

Online Healthy Eating Workshops Available: The University of St. Joseph is offering free virtual nutrition education and cooking workshops. Two workshops will be offered each month. Click here for the full schedule and to register.

2-1-1 Storm and Cold Weather Information: Click here for links to local, state and federal information and resources available to Connecticut residents regarding winter storm and extreme cold weather events.

The Hispanic Health Council has launched a new Facebook page and YouTube Channel that include nutrition and physical activity education videos in both English and Spanish.

Cancer Action Prevention & Engagement (CAPE): The Yale Cancer Disparities Firewall Project provides free health navigation by phone to those living in local communities. They will work with you to understand and address your day-to-day needs, help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, help you stay up to date on cancer screening tests and will connect you to free and low-cost health and social services to help you reach your health goals. Call (203) 200-3030 or click here to follow CAPE on Facebook.

SNAP-Ed Resources: Our friends at the University of St. Joseph/SNAP-Ed continue to create new resource videos. Check out their Facebook page for more details and share them with others!

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy at Home: The US Department of Agriculture, SNAP-Ed, has an online library of resources to help you and your family stay safe at home during this pandemic, including how to plan your weekly menu, when and how to consider food safety, recipes and more. Click here to view the resources that are available.

Dental Care Resource: Have you been delaying dental treatment due to Covid-19 fears? Click here for a helpful list of questions you can ask your dental provider to learn more about their Covid-19 safety procedures. Click here for the Spanish.

HUSKY Health Members: It’s time to go back to the dentist, and it’s safe! Call the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership at 855-CT-DENTAL (855-283-3682) M-F 8AM-5PM or go click here for more information or help in finding a dentist. For TTY call 711.

Virtual Classes from the YMCA: The Y is here for you, even when you’re home! Community members are welcome to take advantage of free classes with some of our favorite Central Connecticut Coast Y instructors live on Zoom or try classes offered by Y instructors across the country anytime. Click here for more details.

Fit 5 Portal: Special Olympics Connecticut continues to find ways to keep athletes engaged and active in the absence of sports practice and competition. The Fit 5 Portal provides health and fitness resources that athletes can utilize to stay fit and active at home. Health and fitness content includes healthy recipes, 30-minute workouts, and mental/emotional wellbeing activities. The portal is designed for those with disabilities, but everyone is welcome to utilize it. Click here to access the portal.

Winter Hiking Locations in Greater New Haven: Click here for an article that lists 5 local hiking locations to try this winter.

Healthy Food Donation List: Click here to view the list of suggested healthier items to donate the next time you are shopping for a food drive donation.

Other

Health Insurance Enrollment: Project Access is partnering with Access Health CT to raise awareness of health insurance options and offer application assistance. Access Health is the CT health insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can shop, compare, and enroll in quality healthcare plans and the only place to qualify for financial help. Call (203) 773-0838 to schedule an in-person, phone, or video appointment for health insurance application assistance. Click here for more information and here for an enrollment checklist.

HAVEN Free Clinic List of Resources: Click here to view a list of resources related to many different topics that was compiled by the Social Services Department at HAVEN. Topics include: finance, education, food assistance, housing, energy assistance and much more.

Community Action Agency of New Haven (CAANH): CAANH provides emergency assistance to families as well as ending long term generational poverty. Their services include energy assistance, homelessness support, a diaper bank and much more. Click here to access their website for more details on all their programs.

United Way of Greater New Haven: The United Way of Greater New Haven website features a Community Resources page that includes local information on where to access food, education, financial, health and other resources. Click here to access that page directly.

Energy Assistance Information Sessions: United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas are offering energy assistance virtual sessions through February to help customers struggling to pay their utility bills. Click here for more information on dates and times.

Hamden Warming Center: Hamden’s overnight warming center will be open January 4-February 28 (7 nights per week) at Breakthrough Church. Click here for more information.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Information Available after January 19: United Way 2-1-1 has compiled information on tax services on their website that will be available after January 19. Click here or dial 2-1-1 (option 3, then 6) only after January 19th, 2021.

Know an additional resource that is not on this list? Please email the details to gina.smith@ynhh.org.