If you need immediate
help, we and other organizations in the Guilford/Shoreline
area are committed
to responding - in ways that honor your dignity and confidentiality.
There is a relatively new statewide service for referrals and information on a broad range of social/emergency services. It’s called “Infoline 2-1-1.” It’s a collaboration of the United Way and the State of Connecticut. Just call their 24-hour number, 2-1-1, for information on everything from counseling to HIV/AIDS testing and emergency shelter to legal assistance.
The listing below is of local resources which serve Guilford specifically, and in some cases other shoreline communities and/or greater New Haven.
Food
- Guilford Food Bank - Guilford Interfaith Ministries, 453-8359
- Food Stamps - Department of Social Services, 800-859-6646. (Eligibility example: if household size is three, gross monthly income cannot exceed $1,628.)
Housing
- Elderly/Disabled - Guilford Housing Authority, 453-6262.
- Renter’s Rebate (rent & utilities) - Guilford Social Services, 453-8009.
- Property Tax Relief - Assessors Office, Town of Guilford, 453-8010.
Home Heating
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), 800-798-3805.
- Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP), call Infoline by dialing 211.
Children/Youth
- Guilford Youth & Family Services provides: youth mentoring, counseling, Student Assistance Counselors (for at-risk jr. and sr. high students), parenting programs, Safe Rides (to teens on Friday and Saturday nights), Peer Advocates & Mediation, Improv Troupe, Youth Employment Services, Tutor Bank, Adventure Program, Intergenerational Programs. Call 453-8047 or 8070. Office is at 55 Park Street, Guilford.
Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Emergency Service - 888-97-YOUTH.
To report child abuse or neglect call the Careline at 800-842-2288.
- The Child Care Infoline (United Way and State of Conn.) has current listings for nanny agencies, nursery schools, play groups, summer camps, Head Start and School Readiness programs. Just dial “2-1-1” or visit www.211infoline.org.
- Connecticut’s new HUSKY Plan provides free or low-cost health insurance for children (up to age 19) in working class families. Call 877-284-8759.
Mental Health: Support, Education & Advocacy
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of mental illness such as persistent anxiety, sadness, depression or thoughts of suicide, it is extremely important to call a doctor and seek medical help. If any of these symptoms become more severe with a risk of danger to oneself or others, call 9-1-1 and get emergency help.
For ongoing support, education and advocacy, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI-CT) at www.namict.org or at 1-800-215-3021. One of our church members, Ann Nelson, works with this organization and is willing to be contacted personally as well at annnelson46@comcast.net or 203-927-1541.
Mental health links: General
- NAMI-CT www.namict.org
National Alliance on Mental Illnesses of Connecticut:
Offers local groups and programs that provide support, education and advocacy to those living with mental illness and their families and friends.
- NAMI www.nami.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness:
The nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness by providing support, education and advocacy.
- NIMH www.nimh.nih.gov
National Institute of Mental Health:
The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery and cure.
- Mental Health America www.nmha.org
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country's leading non-profit dedicated to helping people live mentally healthier lives. With more than 320 affiliates nationwide, they represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation.
Mental Health Links: Faith-based
- NAMI FaithNet www.faithnet.nami.org
An information resource for NAMI members, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions working together to create welcoming and supportive faith communities for individuals and families living with mental illness.
- Pathways to Promise www.pathways2promise.org
An interfaith technical assistance and resource center which offers liturgical and educational materials, program models and networking information to promote a caring ministry with people with mentl illness and their families.
- Mental Health Ministries www.mentalhealthministries.org
Provides educational resources to help erase the stigma of mental illness in our faith communities and help congregations become caring congregations for persons living with a mental illness and their families.
Elderly “Friendly Visiting”
Looking for someone to visit you weekly and develop a safe, rewarding friendship? Call Guilford Interfaith Ministries, 453-8359.
Medical equipment
Charlie’s Closet, a resource of donated, pre-owned and new medical equipment. Contact Guilford Interfaith Ministries, 453-8359.
Domestic Violence/Abuse
Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven (DVSGNH) offers a variety of crucial services: Individual counseling, emergency shelter, crisis intervention, support groups, advocacy services, children’s services, community education and general information and referrals.
24-Hour Hotline: 203-789-8104;Business Office: 203-865-1957; E-mail: endabuse@dvsgnh.org; Web site: www.dvsgnh.org
Abuse of Elderly
If you are being mistreated by a family member, caregiver or friend, call Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven.
24-Hour Hotline: 203-789-8104;Business Office: 203-865-1957; E-mail: endabuse@dvsgnh.org; Web site: www.dvsgnh.org