United Way Activates Its Rapid Response Fund Ahead of Cold Weather to Address Homelessness

Hartford, Conn. (November 25, 2024) – The United Way Rapid Response Fund for Homelessness and Housing has been activated in response to continued increases in homelessness in Connecticut. The fund will prevent and address homelessness by providing direct monetary assistance to families who are struggling financially and are at risk of losing their homes with the goal of keeping people in stable housing. United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut announced its initial investment of $100,000 to start the fund.

“For 100 years, United Way has been uniquely positioned to respond to emerging, immediate needs impacting our community.  Last year, we activated our United Way Rapid Response Fund for Homelessness and Housing for the first time and saw immediate interest and need from our local municipalities,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “As homelessness rates rise for the third year in a row, we knew that we had to reactivate this to support people in our region with winter fast approaching,” added Harrison.

“Last winter, the Rapid Response Fund directly assisted six Vernon families of ten adults and nine children.  The streamlined approval process, which empowered municipalities to identify and qualify those residents facing crises, ensured that the monies were rapidly utilized in a number of emergency situations.  I commend the United Way on again activating the fund to help the most vulnerable across our state,” said Matt Hellman, Director of Social Services for the Town of Vernon.

Donations to this fund will meet immediate housing needs such as emergency assistance for rent and utilities to prevent people from becoming homeless.

“The percentage of homelessness – and households struggling to make ends meet – continues to increase along with the cost of living, which includes rising rents, so we have to meet the moment by helping families and seniors keep a roof over their heads,” said Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford, Newington). “The Rapid Response Fund provides direct assistance and aligns partners across every sector to aid those struggling to cover basic needs.”

“The United Way is a key partner in Connecticut’s efforts to respond to and prevent instances of homelessness. Working together, we can ensure that the resources are available to address this complex issue and create lasting solutions to identify stable, secure, and permanent housing,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

“Your support is needed now more than ever as the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase. United Way is rallying individuals, corporations, philanthropists and government to come together to make a difference on this issue,” said Harrison. “Our commercial real estate and building industry steps up every year to raise funds through their Building Foundations Breakfast which helps make initiatives like this one possible. United Way is all about connection and it will take all of us working together to continue to make a difference on this issue,” added Harrison.

If you or your organization would like to contribute to United Way’s Rapid Response Fund, please visit unitedwayinc.org.

If you or someone you know needs support for housing, please contact your local municipal social services department or call 211 and press #3 and #1.

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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:
Maura Cook | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut   | mcook@unitedwayinc.org | 860.493.1131