Basic Needs & How You Can Help

  • Unless financial hardship has struck your family, neighbor or a friend, you’re probably not aware of what is happening throughout Branford.

    • The Branford Counseling Center is reporting current fiscal year expenditures include $60,000 in utilities and $65,000 in rents. The good news is the heat and the lights remain on in many homes in Branford, but just as we all experience in our budgets, proportionately the dollars for utilities continue to increase at a much faster rate than other expenses.
    • 4,205 individuals in Branford were living under 200% of the Federal Poverty level in 2005-2009, which is $22,340 annual income for individuals and $46,100 for a family of four.
    • Branford’s average unemployed rate has jumped from 2% to 6.6%. Jobs in CT are coming back slower than the rate across the country.
    • In 2009-2010, 950 applications for Food Stamps were received, and that continues to rise.
    • 18.9% of students are eligible for free or reduced school meals.
    • Housing and transportation costs combined are 45% of a household budget.
    • Heating expenses for Branford’s poorest families average $2,200 more than what they can afford.

  • HOW YOU CAN HELP

  • All of Branford is invited to join in on the fun with your own personal touch. Here are some examples:
    • The Branford Yacht Club has held a fund raiser for years that has now become an amazing "Taste of Branford’. Plan to come to the next one in September.
    • The Branford Craft Fair dedicated their proceeds to Branford Cares.
    • Block Parties help us stay connected with our neighbors. Pass the hat and every contribution goes to help our community.
    • Instead of receiving gifts for your birthday, ask the guests at your party to make a contribution to Branford Cares.

    HELP SPREAD THE NEWS
    (1) Communicate on Facebook, Twitter, email, text, whatever you prefer, to spread the word. Tell everyone to visit branfordcares.org. Come up with a plan and good things will happen!

    (2) Visit the Branford Cares tent at the Branford Festival, learn more.

    (3) Visit the annual Trinity Fair/Branford Cares table, to learn more about how you can volunteer.

    Thank You!!