Anthony Nolan

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, beginning yesterday through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with warmth and moments of gratitude, surrounded by friends and loved ones - and good food.

While the $500 million emergency fund plans to cover the lack of funding for the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), there are other state resources available now.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Eversource offer resources for those in need to help to cover the cost of their home energy bills this winter. Visit ct.gov/dss or the Eversource website for more information.

This week the State House and Senate met for a special session to pass a number of critical bills, ranging from a bill addressing Connecticut's housing crisis, a bill that sets money aside to keep vital federal programs afloat, and more.

All Connecticut SNAP recipients have access to their FULL November benefits on their EBT cards.

Great news! The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center has been awarded $163,150 from the State of Connecticut Government Shutdown Relief. This funding will go directly to immediate food distribution, helping families and individuals in our community get the support they need. This is a great start, and we look forward to continuing to fight for more funding to address the ongoing challenges caused by the government shutdown.

A big thanks to the United Way for their hard work and for standing strong in the fight to feed the people, and thank you to Connecticut Foodshare and the many officials for helping make this possible!

CT Department of Social Services - Please use your SNAP benefits before Oct. 31. If the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 31, you may not be able to use any SNAP benefits left over from previous months until the federal government reopens. At this time, SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards remain available for use to purchase food through Oct. 31.

We are working closely with Governor Lamont’s Office and federal partners. DSS will share updates as soon as we know more.