Assistance Resources

June 2, 2020

The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) is working hard to help our claimants have access to the
financial support they need during these troubling times. We have put together some of the more common
Questions and Answers. Please review these materials, as they may help you to find the information you need
without having to contact the Department.
The Quick Clicks Links & Claimant Guide at our Online Assistance Center www.filectui.com have additional
detailed information and forms.

Click here for more information. 

June 1, 2020

Connecticut and Rhode Island Region held a local update call to share how our organization continues to adjust to provide the services of our lifesaving mission.  For those of you who were not able to attend the call, below please find information surrounding the topics discussed.  Please let me know if you have questions surrounding how the Red Cross is adapting during these unprecedented times.   

 1) The American Red Cross has opened a Virtual Family Assistance Center.  It will provide integrated condolence care services to families in Connecticut, Rhode Island and across the United States. Our hearts ache along with the more than 80,000 families who have been personally impacted by COVID-19.

 To help, the Red Cross has set up a virtual team of specially trained mental health, spiritual care and health services volunteers who are:

  • Connecting with families over the phone to offer condolences, support and access to resources that may be available
  • Providing support for virtual memorial services for families, including connecting with local faith-based community partners
  • Sharing information and referrals to state and local agencies as well as other community organizations including legal resources for estate, custody, immigration, or other issues

 A Disaster Distress helpline is also available at 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. This 24/7 national hotline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress from COVID-19 or any other disaster. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 800-273-8255.  All Family Assistance Center support will be provided virtually, is completely confidential and free.  

2) As hurricane season kicks off on June 1, I wanted to share the newly released NOAA 2020 hurricane forecast, which indicates above-normal storm activity with as many as six major Atlantic hurricanes. NOAA’s forecast comes as the world copes with the COVID-19 pandemic. But pandemic or not, the Red Cross will be ready to provide comfort and care to those in need if a hurricane strikes.

 To ensure the health and safety of our disaster workers and the people we serve amid this pandemic, we’ve adapted how we deliver much of our disaster relief, such as providing health services and recovery assistance virtually. And when it comes to sheltering, we’re prioritizing hotel rooms instead of traditional shelters, whenever possible. In the event we must open shelters, we will screen everyone for COVID-19 symptoms at the front door, conduct enhanced cleanings of shelter spaces, along with following other safety precautions.

 In light of COVID-19, getting prepared will look a little different than in other years. We want to help anyone in storm-prone areas stay safe by following a few simple steps. You can find more information at redcross.org/hurricane and on our free Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in mobile app stores).

 3) Please take a look at this map of our service delivery since the pandemic started: https://arcg.is/0GWmzW0

 Each individual icon on this map represents lives saved through blood donations, a family helped during a life-changing crisis, or a community supported during a time of great need.  

Each icon represents the countless hours of planning, communication, problem solving, determination, and perseverance that our local Red Crossers have invested to ensure the continuity of our mission during these historic times.

May 14, 2020

The American Red Cross has opened a Virtual Family Assistance Center.  It will provide integrated condolence care services to families in Connecticut, Rhode Island and across the United States. Our hearts ache along with the more than 80,000 families who have been personally impacted by COVID-19.

 To help, the Red Cross has set up a virtual team of specially trained mental health, spiritual care and health services volunteers who are:

  • Connecting with families over the phone to offer condolences, support and access to resources that may be available
  • Providing support for virtual memorial services for families, including connecting with local faith-based community partners
  • Sharing information and referrals to state and local agencies as well as other community organizations including legal resources for estate, custody, immigration, or other issues

 A Disaster Distress helpline is also available at 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. This 24/7 national hotline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress from COVID-19 or any other disaster. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 800-273-8255.

All Family Assistance Center support will be provided virtually, is completely confidential and free.  We hope that the information and resources provided in the Virtual Family Assistance Center will help those struggling with loss and grief during this time.

Red Cross CT and RI Update 05.04.2020

Supporting our Healthcare Heroes

Last week, the American Red Cross in Connecticut and Rhode Island began hosting Appreciation Events for healthcare workers. Red Cross volunteers are providing hot coffee and snacks to fellow frontline workers as a thank you for their steadfast care and compassion for the most vulnerable during these challenging times.

Click here to continue reading....

Check out how American Red Cross continues Delivering the Mission

New Information from NAA

With May being just two weeks away, LeaseLock has released info about renter relief programs established by many of the nation’s largest property management companies. I thought this would be of great value to you all, especially as you work with local members on programs for your communities. Click here to view the report. 

Did you know that the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) credential is the most recognized leasing credential in property management? Earning the NALP credential shows you mean business: You are dedicated to a career in property management and have the tools to make your mark. 

“To thrive as a leasing professional, you need to excel in relationship management, and that means learning to see the leasing process from the resident’s point of view.”

To thrive as a leasing professional, you need to excel in relationship management, and that means learning to see the leasing process from the resident’s point of view.”

Read More

Whether you are new to leasing or a seasoned pro, earning a NALP credential can help you reach your goals! 



CT Food Bank

The CT Food Bank provides nutritious food to people in need. Infromation regarding locations, hours and their mobile pantry.

CT Food Pantries

An additional resource to find local pantries, soup kitchens, food shelves, food banks and other food help.

CT Humane Society

CHS is the oldest most comprehensive animal welfare organiztion in the state, serving more than 10,000 pets every year.

Small Business Adminstration

Since 1953, the SBA has worked to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand or recover

CT Deparment of Labor

The Department of Labor is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers.  You will find information on unemployment benefits, training services and much more through this web-site. 

Benefits.Gov

As the official website of the U.S. Government, Benefits.Gov mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with hte government.