Breast Cancer Awareness & Major Win For Renters

October 30, 2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and mammograms are key to battling the disease. Read below to learn whether you qualify for a free screening.

Rent is going down and being capped in a huge victory for some local residents. Keep scrolling to learn more about the major development at Stonegate Manor.

The state is providing some relief to help those how may lose access to federal food assistance. I'll break down what to expect in November.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Celebrating Project Hope
  • Major Victory For Renters in Windham
  • SNAP Benefits Crisis

 
 

Let's Talk About It: Breast Cancer Awareness
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the governor's office and public health officials are reinforcing the critical importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Regular mammograms remain the most effective method for identifying breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. 

Dr. Stephen Hauser, a radiology oncology specialist at Hartford Healthcare, spoke with me on “Let’s Talk About It” to discuss breast cancer awareness.
Click here to listen to the show

For Connecticut residents who may not be able to afford regular mammograms, the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Early Detection and Prevention Program offers free breast cancer screenings. This program is available to those with low income and limited or no health insurance, with services provided at various locations across the state.
 
Click here for more information on whether you qualify for free screenings, if you need assistance accessing a mammogram, or for other available resources. The Department of Public Health can also be contacted directly at 860-509-7804 for more information.
 

Celebrating Project Hope

Senator Mae Flexer and I were honored to present Project Hope, Windham’s new adult homeless shelter, with an official citation recognizing their outstanding service to our community. Project Hope recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony as it continues renovating its facilities to better serve residents in need. The shelter provides a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, as well as essential resources that help individuals find stable housing, apply for food assistance, and access critical benefits such as Social Security.

I am deeply grateful to the Windham Chamber of Commerce, private donors, and our local, state, and federal partners who have supported Project Hope every step of the way. Their collaboration demonstrates what’s possible when our community comes together with compassion and purpose. Ensuring that every person has a safe place to stay strengthens the entire Windham community and gives hope to those who need it most.
 

Major Victory For Renters in Windham
In its very first case, Windham’s Fair Rent Commission landed a huge victory thanks to a ruling will lower rents and set limits on future increases at Stonegate Manor, a manufactured housing park. This win shows what’s possible when communities use their fair rent commissions to stand up for residents.

CLICK HERE to read the article the CT Mirror published on this major development.
 

SNAP Benefits Crisis

Governor Ned Lamont has announced $3 million in emergency state funding for Connecticut Foodshare, the state’s largest food bank, to assist residents expected to lose access to federal food assistance due to the shutdown of the federal government.

The Trump administration, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has stated it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that attempt to cover the cost. As a result:

  • No new SNAP benefits will be distributed after November 1.
  • Any remaining balance from previous months on EBT cards are expected to remain accessible after November 1.
  • DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens.

This cut in federal aid will affect an estimated 42 million low-income Americans, including about 360,000 Connecticut residents, many of whom are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

While the $3 million in state aid will not replace the full scope of lost federal benefits, it reflects Connecticut’s commitment to supporting residents facing food insecurity during the shutdown. The Department of Social Services (DSS) and other state agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and consider additional measures to assist affected households.

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are capable, please consider making a monetary donation or donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.