Person-to-Person has been awarded a $7,000 grant from the People’s United Community Foundation. In keeping with the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts “to invest in programs and services that enhance the quality of life for residents, with special emphasis given to low-income areas” in the communities it serves, this grant will be used to support the P2P Emergency Assistance Program.
Available to help low-income individuals and families at their moment of need, the Emergency Assistance Program provides food – enough groceries for clients to prepare three meals a day for seven days, as well as free, gently-used clothing, footwear and small household items. “When clients do not have to buy clothing or food, they are able to spend what they earn on other basic necessities,” says P2P Executive Director Ceci Maher. “Even so, sometimes people need financial assistance – with rent payments, security deposits or utility bills – and we provide that as well.”
With people in nine percent of Fairfield County households living in poverty, and another twenty-three percent having incomes above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggling to afford basic household necessities, Maher notes that these figures underscore the need for the P2P Emergency Assistance Program. “We are very appreciative of this grant from the People’s United Community Foundation. Their generosity directly benefits the families and individuals who come to the agency for help.”
