Nora Grace-Flood photo
CAANH's Prez Amos Smith (center): “It’s still cold, it’s gonna be cold for a while.”
Symone Wilson was taking a walk along Whalley Avenue last fall when she found a way to stay warm come winter, in the form of one-time emergency utility assistance and an energy matching payment plan.
The 28-year-old New Havener connected with those programs to keep her heat pumping and lights shining thanks to the Community Action Agency of New Haven (CAANH).
That’s the 419 Whalley Ave. social services organization where Wilson now works — and where local leaders gathered to help get the word out about how a growing number of those in need can find a way to lower their energy costs and consumption as prices soar.
That press conference took place Monday afternoon at CAANH’s Whalley Avenue headquarters.
CAANH President and CEO Amos Smith hosted that programmatic pitch alongside the organization’s Director of Energy Assistance Daisy Sanchez, Mayor Justin Elicker, city Climate & Sustainability Director Steve Winter, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven Executive Director Jim Paley and Director of Community Sustainability Kathy Fay, United Illuminating representative Sarah Wall, and Anthony Afriyie, who works as a aid in the office of U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro.
“Since the conflict in Ukraine we have seen the cost of energy just go through the roof,” Elicker said on Monday. “Today is very much about supporting those who are struggling.” He expressed pride in the United States’ commitment to Ukraine while emphasizing the impact of rising energy costs on New Haven’s low-income residents.
A press release sent out by the mayor’s office Monday said that “since the conflict in Ukraine began one year ago in February 2022, energy prices for home heating oil, natural gas, and electricity have increased by 30 to 50 percent for most customers.” Read more in the Connecticut Mirror about the reasons behind spiking prices here and about how state legislators are trying to combat those rising costs here.
Smith said that CAANH helped 10,400 families with energy assistance and social and human services last year. Of CAANH’s clients, about 20 percent are unable to afford the monthly cost of deliverable fuels, he said.
“It’s still cold, it’s gonna be cold for a while,” Smith stated. In the meantime, he and others underscored a range of programs the public can participate in to reel in the proportion of their budget spent on energy needs.
At CAANH, individuals can apply for the same short-term help that Symone Wilson relied on to keep her gas and electricity on, such as “Operation Fuel,” which offers a one-time benefit for those in immediate need. They can also apply for a matching payment plan with Southern Connecticut Gas that to help pay back outstanding bills. CAANH also operates the state’s Energy Assistance Program, which provides additional energy-related benefits for residents. Call CAANH at 203 – 286-8018 for more information on those programs.
At Monday’s presser, Jim Paley and Kathy Fay highlighted “I Heart My Home CT,” a longer-term program provided by the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine last February which offers free counseling and energy audits for renters, homeowners and landlords alike to lower utility bills. “If you can replace an oil service with a heat pump, that saves you money and can even provide you with cooling,” Fay gave as an example. Learn more by calling 475 – 227-7579, for both English and Spanish services.
United Illuminating's Sarah Wall: Enroll in company's hardship assistance program.
Sarah Wall, who works for United Illuminating, also pinpointed ways the utility company is aiming to support existing clients.
“We really feel our customers’ pain,” she said. “We do not control the costs, they’re driven largely by the conflict in Ukraine.” Those who qualify can enroll in UI’s hardship assistance programs. Wall said that UI will have customer service workers stationed at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 111 Whalley Ave. from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Climate Director Steve Winter: Consider switching energy suppliers.
Steve Winter, meanwhile, encouraged New Haveners to check out alternative suppliers for electricity, noting that switching from United Illuminating to other suppliers is a no-cost move that could save individuals hundreds of dollars over time.
He pointed to Energize CT, an energy assessor that compares various supplier’s rates, as calculating that the average home would save about $80 per month by switching energy suppliers. “You could switch to a plan for 100 percent renewable energy and still save money on your electric bill,” he added. He reminded consumers to check how rates change over time to continue saving as much as possible.
Winter also called attention to the city’s Financial Empowerment Center, which residents can call at 203 – 946-8523 and aims to connect the public to financial assistance programs to pay back bills and enroll in more manageable payment plans.
Symone Wilson, CAANH employee and client: “I feel a lot better, a lot less stressed.”
“I feel a lot better, a lot less stressed,” Symone Wilson said of her day-to-day well-being since overhauling her monthly energy payment plan. She recalled returning to her apartment one day to find a notice that her gas and electricity would be turned off if she didn’t catch up with her rising bills.
Wilson, a single mom to her just-under-a-year-old daughter, not only got urgent help with her utility bills, but access to a diaper bank and food pantry when she happened to walk into CAANH last year. She ultimately found employment at the site as well.
“I applied because I like the work they did here,” she said. “I like helping people.” Now Wilson works as a case manager at CAANH, helping New Haveners apply for supplemental nutrition assistance, get their GED, or seek out stable housing.
“If you’re struggling, come on down to 419 Whalley Avenue!” she said.
A summary of the programs highlighted Monday.