Funds to help residents with basic emergency assistance

By Kelly Kandra Hughes

Norfolk NET (Networking Everyone Together), a collaborative grassroots effort to alleviate poverty and strengthen community relationships in Norfolk, has been generously awarded a $20,000 grant from the William and Mary Greve Foundation.

According to Norfolk resident Tony Kiser, president of the Greve Foundation, these funds are to be distributed through Norfolk NET to residents who need basic help to deal with emergencies, such as paying for a new prescription medicine or assisting with rent or grocery money when facing unemployment.

There are currently five Norfolk NET access points for residents to request assistance: the Selectmen’s Office at Town Hall (860-542-5829), Church of Christ Congregational UCC (860-542-5721), Immaculate Conception Church (860-542-5442), Botelle Elementary (860-542-5286) and Northwestern Regional High School (860-379-8525).  Any Norfolk resident in need is encouraged to contact one of these access points.

The process to receive assistance is relatively simple, and maintaining residents’ privacy and confidentiality is a priority, regardless of which access point is used.

Norfolk NET will create a master list of local volunteers who can donate their time and skills to those in need.  If you would like more information about Norfolk NET, or if you or your business would like to be included in the master list of volunteers, please contact Norfolk NET at NorfolkNETCT@gmail.com.