Confidential financial hardship support

By Virginia Coleman-Prisco

As autumn approaches and household budgets face increasing pressure from rising housing, utility and energy costs, Norfolk residents experiencing financial hardship have access to a network of local assistance programs designed to help before temporary setbacks become crises.

At the center of these efforts is Tara Yard, director of the Norfolk Social Services Department and the town’s Municipal Agent for Aging. From her office in Town Hall, Yard connects residents with emergency financial assistance, senior services, transportation resources, food support, fuel assistance and community referrals.

“Our objective is to ensure that all persons seeking help from the Town of Norfolk are treated with courtesy and dignity,” said Yard. Residents facing financial, housing or personal challenges are encouraged to contact the department for confidential assistance.

One of the most significant concerns this year is the cost of winter heating. Yard works with New Opportunities, a regional agency that administers income-based fuel assistance programs. While qualifying households may receive between $350 and $500 per month in heating assistance, rising fuel costs continue to stretch limited budgets. With heating oil prices exceeding $5 per gallon in some cases, many residents, particularly older adults living on fixed incomes, still struggle to cover expenses. “We see people making difficult choices between heating their homes, paying for food and covering other necessities,” said Yard.

Norfolk’s challenges reflect a larger statewide trend. According to a recent report from the United Way of Connecticut, nearly 39 percent of Connecticut households, or about 570,000 households, could not afford a basic survival budget in 2024 when accounting for housing, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare and other essential expenses. Using the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) measure, the report found that a family of four in Connecticut needs approximately $116,000 annually to meet basic living costs. The organization also noted growing economic hardship in suburban and rural communities, challenging the perception that financial struggles are concentrated only in urban areas.

For residents facing unexpected emergencies, the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program, funded by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, can provide an important source of support. The program offers one-time emergency grants of up to $1,000 to help individuals and families cover critical expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation, medical bills or other urgent needs.
Unlike long-term assistance programs, Neighbor-to-Neighbor is designed to address immediate crises before they escalate. Applications are submitted through local partners such as Norfolk Social Services, and approved funds are paid directly to vendors or service providers, often within two weeks.

Yard noted that these grants frequently assist families who have exhausted other resources. In one recent case, a local family facing overdue rent, food insecurity and transportation challenges caused by a broken vehicle was able to stabilize its situation through emergency assistance from the program.

Such experiences underscore the importance of building trust within the community. “Many people are embarrassed to ask for help,” Yard said. To make services more accessible, Norfolk Social Services offers a private office and dedicated phone line, ensuring confidentiality for residents seeking assistance. Yard says one of her goals is to help remove the stigma associated with asking for support.

In addition to Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Norfolk residents may access the First Selectman’s Fund, a locally-supported emergency fund created through donations. The fund provides assistance for urgent needs such as utility shutoffs, housing instability or other unexpected expenses. While Neighbor-to-Neighbor is a regional resource, the First Selectman’s Fund allows Norfolk to respond quickly to immediate local needs without the wait for fund disbursements. Together, the two programs form an important financial safety net for vulnerable residents.

As winter approaches, heating costs are not the only concern. Yard cautions that using electric space heaters as a way to lower heating bills can lead to increased risk of fire from overloaded outlets, extension cords or improperly placed equipment.
Beyond emergency assistance, Norfolk Social Services coordinates a variety of year-round community support initiatives. The department helps provide backpacks, school supplies, jackets and other necessities for students from families receiving free or reduced-price meals. Yard also assembles travel kits containing hygiene products and basic necessities for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Public health and senior services are also an important part of the department’s mission. Upcoming programs include informational sessions on changes to Medicare and Medicaid benefits, along with seasonal vaccination clinics offering flu, Covid-19 and pneumonia immunizations (see the Community Events page for October clinic dates).

For Yard, the message is simple: help is available before a situation becomes overwhelming. Whether residents are struggling to pay a utility bill, purchase heating fuel, repair a vehicle, buy groceries or maintain stable housing, Norfolk’s

ocial service network aims to connect them with practical resources and community support. “You’re not alone,” reminded Yard.
Residents seeking assistance can contact the Norfolk Social Services Department at Town Hall, 19 Maple Avenue, by calling 860-542-2887 or emailing SocialServices@norfolkct.org.