Marcus Brown

Dear Neighbor,



I hope you and your family are well. Below is important information you will find useful.



As always, contact my office if you have questions or need help.



Have a great weekend!

Extreme cold weather is expected in the coming days across the state. It is important to be mindful that with it brings increased risks to ourselves and our communities. 



Temperature related health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia, can take effect quickly and it is important to understand the symptoms. Keeping warm indoors is critical; if you are struggling with heating costs, or need advice on energy assistance programs, a number of resources are available here.



The Department of Public Heath's cold weather safety guide, and other information relating to winter safety and dealing with cold temperatures can be found here.

In response to the freezing temperatures, the Governor has activated Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather protocol. The protocol goes into effect at 12:00 PM on Thursday, February 2 and stays in effect until 12:00 PM on Sunday, February 5. The cold weather protocol aims to ensure that people who may be exposed to the cold weather have access to shelter for this time. Warming centers and shelters will be open across our state. If you or someone you know needs shelter, please call 2-1-1 to be directed to a nearby location and transportation if necessary. Click here for more information.



Other Useful Links:

CT Prepares: News and updates.

Eversource Storm Safety: Helpful safety tips

2-1-1 connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone.

CDC Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Important information about preparing for and managing extreme weather.



Winter has been mild so far, but as the season continues, it's essential to be prepared and know how to stay safe during extreme weather events. Stay warm and stay safe.

Official recognition of Black History Month started with a proclamation from President Gerald Ford 47 years ago, to honor the many accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to American society. It's a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember. Black history is American history.



The theme of this year's Black History Month, "Black Resistance," explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms.



"This country was established upon the profound but simple idea that all people are created equal and should be treated equally throughout their lives. It is an idea America has never fully lived up to, but it is an idea we have never fully walked away from either," said President Biden in his 2023 Black History Month Proclamation.

Over the next 28 days, cities and towns across Connecticut will hold events to honor Black History Month, among them:

• A screening of "Selma" at the Ridgefield Playhouse on February 8
• Martin Luther King, Jr convocation lecture on February 9 at Fairfield University
• Urban League of Greater Hartford's annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford
• Celebrations of African music in Enfield on February 15
• African Diasporic Drumming at East Hartford Library on February 16
• The Hartford Yard Goats will be hosting a Black Business Expo on February 16, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the stadium in Hartford.

Find other great events across the state by clicking HERE.



Every day, not just this month, we should take time to learn more about Black history. Stand up against injustice. Offer support. Speak out.   

The Broker Academy provides free training for selected students to become licensed brokers and covers the cost of their licensing exam. You can learn more by visiting their website or attending an upcoming virtual informational session. The next session is  Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Registration is required.

The Connecticut Department of Housing is launching a new fund to assist renters who are on the verge of being evicted from their homes due to owing past due rent. Utilizing $12.5 million in funding from UniteCT and the Rent Bank, the Eviction Prevention Fund will provide households with up to $5,000 to pay off past due rent with their current landlord.

 

To apply, tenants must call the UniteCT Call Center at 1-844-864-8328 and be screened for eligibility. Eligible applicants will receive direct assistance from a local UniteCT Resource Center, where they will complete the application. If a tenant requires but does not have legal representation, access to mediators at Quinnipiac University’s Center on Dispute Resolution will be provided

As we continue to pursue more long-term solutions to reduce rising costs of energy, I wanted to make you aware of an upcoming outreach event to help residents access critical financial assistance from United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), the Community Renewal Team (CRT) and Operation Fuel. 



Speak one-on-one with representatives from the above groups on Wednesday, January 25 from 4PM-7PM at the East Side Senior Center (268 Putnam St, Bridgeport, CT) to discuss hardship and assistance programs you may qualify for.

If you are unable to attend the event and would like to learn more about programs available, click here for UI and here for SCG.