The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
2 grant programs get money to those with pressing needs
MIDDLETOWN — Two city cash assistance programs are aiding people experiencing financial hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic or other circumstances by getting money into their hands as quickly as possible.
One, the Middletown Mutual Aid Direct Cash Assistance Fund, is administered by a coalition of community residents and organizations which are part of a network for local people needing help during the pandemic and beyond.
“There were no means of easily accessible, direct and no-strings-attached cash assistance from existing organizations in Middletown,” free of bureaucratic red tape, according to Wesleyan University student Emily McEvoy, who sits on the North End Action Team board of directors. “We wanted to make it easy.”
Benefactors include those in the Wesleyan community, as well as area social service agencies. The cash assistance program began collecting funds in mid-June. It already has raised $15,000, mostly from the Wesleyan community.
“We know there is a lot of wealth at the university setting and we wanted to
give people the option and outlet to redistribute that to local people,” McEvoy said.
North End resident Tanya Burley is the fund manager.
The project began as the pandemic unfolded, resulting in scores of people losing their jobs and others having trouble paying their bills or incurring unexpected expenses.
Anyone requesting $1,000 or more will be asked what the money specifically is needed for, McEvoy said. “We don’t want to make a value judgment if people work or not.”
“It’s very informal and that is what we intended,” McEvoy said.
One of the early initiatives disburses donated or purchased items and funds, including masks, cleaning products, perishable and nonperishable foods, and excess food from the city’s free meals program at select schools. Goods are given out at NEAT office at 654 Main St.
The group also reaches out to the homeless and families in need.
“It’s great this type of coalition is coming together,” Mayor Ben Florsheim said. “These types of funds are really important — whether it’s helping people get and provide support or direct cash. It’s nice to see people step up to help the community.”
The other program that aims to provide aid quickly is the Walter C. Jones Fund, a city-administered program intended for Middletown residents who need one-time help to pay for things such as rent, utility bills, a security deposit or medical prescriptions.
The Jones Fund has been around for a while and many may not know they can apply for monies. “It’s a nice thing I’d like to see talked about more,” Florsheim said.
“It’s unique in the sense that the funding was established by Jones’ will. He left his fortune to help the poor of Middletown, the mayor said. The program is administered by Faith Jackson, director of Middletown Equal Opportunity & Diversity Management.
“Sometimes things happen in life. They happen to everybody, such as a car accident or large medical bill. All of sudden, they can’t make the payments,” the mayor said. “People in precipitous situations are living paycheck to paycheck all the time. The pandemic exacerbated that.”
The Jones Fund board consists of Middletown clergy people who review applications on a monthly basis. These are one-time payments for emergency relief.
Florsheim believes Middletown is the only community offering this type of assistance. “You have one shot at the Jones Fund. It can be really important and maybe keep somebody in their house or healthy. It’s an exciting program that can be a lifeline for people.”
Those who have lived in Middletown for at least a year are eligible to apply by calling 860-638-4830.
“It can be really important and maybe keep somebody in their house or healthy. It’s an exciting program that can be a lifeline for people,” Florsheim said.
To donate to the cash assistance program, visit tinyurl.com/givemtown. To request aid, see tinyurl.com/mtownsupport. Other details are available on the MiddletownMAC Facebook page and the Middletown Mutual Aid Facebook page.