HRA Helping Families into Homes with “Head Start on Housing”

The Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA) has been helping families get needed housing, using a first-in-the nation “Head Start on Housing” program.

HRA pointed to the case of the mother of an HRA pre-school student, “Maria B.”, who,

found herself and her children homeless and having to live in a motel in Newington. Seeking help, she turned to her family service worker Isabel at HRA of New Britain where her young daughter attends pre-school. Isabel connected Maria to Head Start on Housing, a new state program that is helping homeless families who have children in Head Start and Early Head Start obtain affordable, permanent housing.

“I feel blessed,” Maria said, “It has absolutely made a positive difference for me and my family.”

Maria, HRA says, is not alone. HRA says that,

Since December 2022, Head Start on Housing has housed 21 families and 48 children HRA has served. Another eight families with HRA who have received housing vouchers through the program are home searching currently and should secure housing in the near future.

The program, HRA says, is a collaboration of, “several groups around Connecticut, including the state Department of Housing and Office of Early Childhood, Head Start Association of Connecticut, and area emergency shelter providers, along with National Center for Child Welfare.”

The organizations came together, “as more families have faced homelessness since the end of the pandemic,” to help, “Head Start families obtain Section 8 housing on a greatly shortened schedule.”

In Maria’s case, Ashley Sandoval, who is Family Engagement Coordinator at HRA, worked with her to file for and receive her housing voucher. Sandoval said that, “The program provides vouchers directly,” allowing for quick results without referring clients to other agencies. “With her housing voucher in hand,” HRA says, “Maria was able within two months to secure a new apartment in New Britain located a convenient distance from HRA where her daughter goes to Head Start.”

Journey Healthcare donated furniture to Maria’s family, and, she says, “Everything is going well now.”

HRA is seeking to serve more families with the program and, “is looking to recruit additional landlords willing to accept the Section 8 housing vouchers that HSOH clients receive.” HRA is also, “seeking donations of furniture, household items, and kitchenware for its clients.” Sandoval can be contacted about either request at 860-348-2232 or [email protected].

The Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. says that it,

is a multi-service, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing economic self-sufficiency among individuals and families residing in greater New Britain, Bristol, and surrounding towns. HRA’s 30+ programs include Head Start, School Readiness, employment and job training, home heating assistance, financial literacy education, Polish & elderly victim advocacy, and support for HIV+ individuals. For more information, visit our website, www.hranbct.org.