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.
Residents who may need assistance are encouraged to contact the Town’s Social Services Office to learn about programs and supports available. Services may include assistance for older adults, families facing financial hardship, and residents experiencing temporary or unexpected challenges.
All inquiries and conversations with Social Services staff are handled with strict confidentiality. Staff are available to listen, answer questions, and help determine what resources or referrals may be appropriate based on individual circumstances.
Residents do not need to be in crisis to reach out. A simple phone call can provide information, guidance, or peace of mind. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Social Services Office directly to speak with a staff member.
For additional information or to schedule a confidential conversation, please call the Town’s Social Services Office during regular business hours, 860-844-5351.
Don’t Be Caught Off Guard This Winter
Winter is here and the potential for storms, freezing temperatures and illness is high. Be prepared! 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 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, 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 is designed to help 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 beginning. Fuel deliveries will not be made until Nov. 1.
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 holiday 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.
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 the Granby Food Pantry, 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 provides a free meal 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 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 Call 860-856-4357. The process takes approximately 30 minutes and CT Foodbank will mail you a packet to sign and return.
Other Assistance
Granby 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.
Clothes Closet at Valley Brook Community Church offers free, gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. 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 with additional questions: clothescloset@valleybrook.cc
Shelter and Housing Referrals: If you are homeless or fear you will become homeless soon, call 211 or 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.