Social Services

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The Town of Bethel (TOB) has a full-time Social Worker (SW) to assist Bethel Residents with various needs. In working with residents of Bethel, the goal is to enhance the quality of their life, as well as to increase the opportunity to reach long-term independence and self-sufficiency.

Nutritional Needs

Bethel Community Food Panty: Eligible households may utilize the food pantry if they meet guidelines set by The State of Connecticut. Guidelines are revised every July and must be completed every July with the TOB SW. Eligibility for the Bethel Community Food Pantry is determined by household income. All income (earned and unearned) is counted. Requests to register to utilize the food pantry may be made throughout the year. Please contact the TOB SW  if your contact information or household information (number of household members, income) has changed. 

Brotherhood In Action Food Baskets: If a household meets eligibility guidelines for the Bethel Community Food Pantry that household will be eligible to receive a holiday food basket a few times a year. Requests must be made and applications completed and submitted (if not already completed for the Bethel Community Food Pantry) at least one month prior to the distribution to be considered for the basket. Applications are revised every July and must be completed every year.  You must contact the TOB SW to make an appointment to complete the application, as well as to notify SW if your contact information  or household information has changed. 
Food baskets are delivered to one’s home by Brotherhood in Action Volunteers. 

Household Size/Household 2021-2022 Income Limits for Bethel Community Food Pantry and Brotherhood in Action Food Baskets:
1/$30,268.00;  2/$40,937.00;  3/$51,606.00;  4/$62,275.00;  5/$72,944.00;  6/$83,613.00;  7/$94,282.00;  8/$104,951.00; for each additional person add $10,669.00.  
Food is distributed, by appointment only, twice monthly. The TOB SW has an emergency food pantry available for emergencies. 

 

Walnut Hill Community Church Food Pantry: Please visit their website for distribution dates and times:  https://walnuthillonline.org/serving-our-community

Housing Needs

Bethel has two affordable housing complexes that are managed by Bethel Housing Authority. Reynolds Ridge is for seniors and those Social Security disabled. They periodically accept applications to be placed on their waitlist.  Phineas Park is for all ages.  For more information, please visit the website for Bethel Housing Authority at: http://www.bethelhousingauthority.org/ or call 203.797.9909.

Bishop Curtis Congregate Housing is for seniors age 62 plus. Please visit their website for more information: https://www.augustanacongregate.org/   or call 203.790.9744.

For Information on Section 8 Housing Voucher Programs, please contact 203.744.2500.

Energy Assistance Program

This program is to assist eligible households with the cost of energy (electricity, gas and oil). Applications are accepted early September and typically through early May (depending on energy type). Please contact The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut at 203.748.5422, to be assisted with the application process. If you are 65 years of age or older or you are Social Security Disabled, you may call 203.794.8594 for assistance. 

Legal Assistance

For eligible households, there are free legal services available. If you’re under the age of 60, please call Statewide Legal Services at 1.800.453.3320 or 1.860.344.0380. You may also utilize their website for help at www.ctlawhelp.org.  For those 60 or over, please call Legal Aid 1.800.413.7797.

Transportation

HARTransit provides fixed route transportation to Bethel and the greater Danbury area. For additional information call HARTransit at 203.744.4070 or visit https://www.hartransit.com/ 

The Town of Bethel Senior Center has a van to transport Bethel Residents age 50 years plus or those Social Security Disabled. You may contact the Bethel Senior Center for additional information or to schedule an appointment at 203.794.8593.

Goodwill Career Center

Goodwill has a career coaches that help with resume writing, career advice, networking,  interview & computer skills, connecting to community resources,  access online job openings, access a copier and fax, etc. You may contact the Goodwill Career Center at (203) 567-7975 Ext. 2.

Social Security Administration

For any questions pertaining to your Social Security card or benefits, please contact Social Security Administration at 866.275.7821.Our local office is located at 131 West Street Danbury, CT.

Federal Lifeline Assistance

To find out if you are eligible for a free cell phone and free monthly data, unlimited texting and free minutes, please visit: https://www.assurancewireless.com/ or call 1.888.321.5880 with questions

Victims of Crime Act Program (VOCA)

Empowering victims of crime (any crime) through case management. Please visit www.ctfsa.org or call 1.800.505.9000 for more information.

State of Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT DSS)

The State of Connecticut DSS offers a variety of assistance to eligible residents of CT. Please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Lists/Programs-and-Services to see a list of programs offered through CT DSS, eligibility and how to apply.  

You may visit the DSS Field Office at 342 Main Street Danbury, CT 06810 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm. 

To be prescreened to determine eligibility and to apply for SNAP (formerly food stamps) benefits, you may call the SNAP Call Center at 866-974-7627

Day Care Assistance Care for Kids

If you are employed and struggle to meet the cost of daycare, you may be eligible for financial assistance through Care for Kids .For more information, please visit their website:  https://www.ctcare4kids.com/

 

 

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