Working Cities Initiative receives $1 million to boost workforce and economic inclusion in five cities in Connecticut

These five cities include: Hartford, Waterbury, Middletown, Danbury and East Hartford. 

  Hartford, Conn. (July 29, 2024) – With the recent approval of Bill No. 5523, An Act Concerning Allocations of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds and Provisions Related to General Government, Human Services, Education and the Biennium Ending June 30, 2025, the five cities that comprise the Working Cities initiative in Connecticut will receive $200,000 each to continue their efforts for the next fiscal year 2024-2025. All five cities share a commitment to workforce development and increasing access to education and training opportunities that lead to living wage employment. 

“Here in Hartford, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is leading the Hartford Working Cities initiative and also works collaboratively to advance economic mobility with the other four initiatives in the state,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “As we work to close financial gaps in our region, connecting young adults with opportunities to earn family-sustaining wages is key to ending poverty. We are thankful to the legislative delegations in each city who made these much-needed designations possible”. 

Locally, the goal is to reduce the unemployment rates of marginalized young adults, particularly opportunity youth, in targeted neighborhoods. The unemployment rate for young adults in this area is over 13 percent – more than three times higher than the state average of less than 4 percent. “Lack of income from employment contributes to persistent poverty in our communities. At the same time, we know that young adults are needed in the workforce as more than 75,000 jobs are currently unfilled in Connecticut,” added Harrison.  

With the funds approved by the General Assembly through the State of Connecticut budget, the Working Cities initiative will sustain efforts to reduce unemployment across the five participating cities in Connecticut. The organizations involved will also continue their advocacy work to secure future resources to address the complex factors that lead to the disconnect between untapped talent of young adults in our community and the staffing needs of employers. 

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About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut    
United Way closes gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy to make the 860 region an equitable place where everyone succeeds. United Way does this by aligning partners across sectors to end poverty; leveraging information and experience to deepen impact; connecting people with resources and opportunities to make a difference; and, transforming the future with game-changing solutions. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.   

 Media Contact: Anyeline Céspedes López | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut   | acespedes@unitedwayinc.org | 787.502.0436