The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director Sandra Yost at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Don’t be caught off guard this winter
Winter is coming and the potential for storms, freezing temperatures and illness is high. There are a few things you and your family can do to ensure you are safe and warm this season. An excellent resource on how to be prepared for winter weather can be found at ready.gov/winter-weather or you may call 211.
Get ahead of any storm by taking these steps: Have enough food on hand for two to three days; check that your carbon monoxide alarm is functioning, especially if you may be using an alternative heat source; test your generator and have fuel available; keep cellular devices charged and replace flashlight and radio batteries. Don’t forget your pets. In cases of extreme cold it is necessary to limit their outdoor exposure.
It is also important to plan for the possibility of power outages. Know how you will stay warm. If you are using a generator, ensure proper ventilation, keep it at least 20 feet from your home and never operate it indoors. Another tip: It is not safe to burn paper in a fireplace.
Keep in mind that storms pass, and conditions will improve. Your ability to care for yourself and your family, independently, for a couple of days gives the snow removal crews and energy restoration teams time to respond to make conditions safe again.
Energy Assistance
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program helps to offset home energy costs of Connecticut’s lower income families, specifically those households whose annual income falls at or below 60 percent of the state median income. You may apply online at crtenergyapplication@crtct.org
Appointments for assistance with applications for fuel assistance may be scheduled by calling 860-844-5350. Fuel deliveries will not be made until Nov. 1 or later.
Eversource Assistance Programs offer additional discount rates for qualifying households. Check eversource.com/discount-rate for additional information.
Holiday Program
Social Services assists Granby families during the holiday season. For those who meet income eligibility, the department coordinates the distribution of a single food voucher for holiday season meals (Thanksgiving and December holidays will be combined this year) and gifts for children up to age 16. The Holiday Program is funded through donations. Call the office for additional information.
Local Assistance Program
Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a 12-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of State Median Income unless extenuating circumstances can be documented.
Food Resources
Granby Food Pantry, at 248 Salmon Brook Street, is open Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to Noon and Thursdays, 2–3:30 p.m. Before using you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-844-5350 to schedule.
Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen makes a free meal available every Wednesday 4–6 p.m. with food shopping 3:30–4 p.m. at Granby Congregational Church South Campus, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.
Mobile FoodShare, at 242 Salmon Brook Street, Waste Not Want Not parking lot, every other Tuesday from 1–1:30 p.m. Text Foodshare to 85511 for specific dates.
Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry, at 23 Griffin Road, is open every other Wednesday, 2–6 p.m. to members of Life Church as well as anyone who is in need. No qualification necessary. Please bring your own bags. For more information, please call the church office at 860-653-3308.
Open Cupboard Pantry at Granby Congregational Church North Campus, 219 North Granby Road. Distributions are Fridays, 3–4 p.m. Please enter the church parking lot via north entrance on Stratton Road. Call the church at 860-653-4537 with any questions.
SNAP: CT Foodbank will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone. For help with SNAP call 860-856-4357. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and CT Foodbank will mail you a packet to sign and return.
Clothes Closet at Valley Brook Community Church
The Clothes Closet offers free, gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children at no cost. The purpose is to help people in the community who cannot afford to purchase clothing or who have suffered a major loss and are in need. Volunteers will be ready to help find sizes, styles, colors, etc. Open the third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at 160 Granville Road (Rte. 189) in North Granby. Email additional questions to: clothescloset@valleybrook.cc
Shelter and Housing Referrals
Are you homeless or fearing you will become homeless soon? Call 211 or 1-800-203-1234. Press #3 (Housing and Utility Assistance) and then #1 (Shelter and Housing Referrals). Let the 211 housing specialist know that you are homeless or having a housing emergency. You are not alone, there is help available.