Town Social Services

General Assistance and Workfare Programs are administered by the State Department of Social Services (DSS).

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Since July 1, 2002 the First Selectman’s Office has been administering the following Social Services Programs: "Portland Cares" Fuel Assistance, Salvation Army clothing vouchers.  Portland Social Services is administered on a limited emergency basis only - the main objective for the client is to establish a feasible plan for the future and recognize effective budgeting strategies.  Must complete an in-take form to assess client needs.  Completion of the in-take form does not guaranteed assistance.

"Portland Cares" Fuel Assistance Program

"Portland Cares" Fuel Assistance Program is generated by donations only, is available to residents only on a limited basis of once per client per 12-month period (maximum two assists), maximum delivery of 100 gallons home heating oil. Proof of income required (see Income Proof List 2013). All clients must complete an in-take form; completion of an in-take form does not guaranteed assistance. 860-342-6715

Salvation Army & the Town

Portland Social Services is the Community Service Representative of The Salvation Army of the North Middlesex County Service Unit 627.  The Salvation Army strives to serve the underserved by providing clients assistance with basic needs.  They offer a variety of programs including Camp CONNRI (see link for details), and help fund the Back-To-School Program of backpacks and shoe vouchers to participating stores/vendors.

Portland Food Bank

Location:    7 Waverly Avenue - basement, Portland Connecticut

Mailing Address:    P.O. Box 71, Portland CT 06480-0071

Telephone: 860-342-6795 

Hours of Operation:    Monday & Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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Portland Food Bank, which is run by a fantastic group of volunteers, is supported by donations from individuals, groups and businesses throughout the community and state.  It provides to Portland residents: non-perishable foods, toiletries/personal care items, holiday food baskets, Christmas gifts, and occasionally winter jackets, gently used clothing, furniture and household appliances.  In collaboration with the Portland Youth Services Department they distribute Back-To-School backpacks filled with school supplies and shoe vouchers (pending program availability).

Requirements: Proof of residency, photo ID, and completion of in-take interview required to assess client needs.

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The Connecticut Food Bank Mobile Pantry Program is currently scheduled to be in Portland (Senior Center parking lot) on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 PM - please follow their guidelines:

• food is distributed on a "first come first served" basis

• you cannot hold space in line for another person

• you do not have to stay in line once you receive your number; please line up by number at the start time.

• only one number can be given per household

• you cannot get food for another person not in attendance; assistance is provided to those who can make it to the truck

• if you need assistance going around the truck, ask and a volunteer or staff will help

• please be courteous of others

If schools are closed due to snow, the mobile food pantry will be cancelled - they are unable to reschedule.  They will NOT have distribution on the following holidays:

New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving week; Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Additional Resources

If you are in need of help, here are some resources you can call direct:

• Community Renewal Team, Inc. (CRT) for Winter Energy Assistance: 860-347-4465

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• Connecticut Department of Social Services (financial, medical, food stamps, energy assistance, list of shelters): Portland is part of the Southern Region in the Middletown Service area; Middletown Field Office, 2081 South Main Street-Suite B, Middletown; telephone numbers
  1-855-626-6632 or 1-800-842-4524 (TTD/TTY for persons with speech or hearing difficulties)

• www.ct.gov/dss/apply

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• Statewide Legal Services: 1-800-453-3320 www.ctlawhelp.org

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• Child Support Hotline: DSS Middletown Field Office - General Info 860-704-3126 or toll free 1-855-626-6632
   

• Infoline: 211

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• U.S. Social Security: Middletown Office, 425 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457
  local # 1-877-692-3145; National Toll-free 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-860-346-2776
  www.ssa.gov