Take Action

Community Action Agencies like New Opportunities were established to provide critical services to low income and working individuals and families back in 1964. Today, nearly 50 years later, Community Action Agencies and the children, families and seniors they proudly serve face a dire situation.  The demand for services provided by these agencies is increasing at a rapid pace.    

Key Facts

  • 1 out of every 7 U.S. residents current lives below the poverty line (an annual household income of less than $22,350 for a family of four)
  • The poverty rate in four (4) of Connecticut's urban areas is over 40% while data shows impoverished residents in the state number more than 320,000
  • Connecticut's Community Action Agencies collectively provided services to more than 350,000 individuals and 130,000 households in 2010 - New Opportunities provided services to 67,792 individuals and 29,792 households during this period
  • Demand for services at New Opportunities increased by 16% in the last four months alone as 5,000 new households submitted first-time applications for assistance
  • The proposed Federal Budget is calling for a 50% reduction in Community Service Block Grant funding - a core source of funding for many vital programs
  • The proposed Federal Budget is calling for a 40% reduction in Energy Assistance funding at a time when energy costs are rising and the cost of heating oil is approaching $4.00 per gallon

How you Can Make a Difference

In a time of shared sacrifice it is critical that each of us communicate what is important to us with our elected officials.

Resources

Budget Resources

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