Senator Doug McCrory Celebrates State Funding for Summer Camp Mental Health Programs

Today, Senator Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, welcomed the release of over $174,000 in state grants to support summer camps providing mental health services to students over the next two summers.

The State Department of Education awarded the grants under its Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

“When school is out, many students lack the social connection and structured activities they need,” Senator McCrory, co-chair of the Education Committee, said. “These grants play a vital role in supporting the mental health of our youth by ensuring they have access to needed services during the summer. Through collaboration with local organizations, we are creating a strong foundation of care for our children. My thanks go out to Governor Lamont and the State Department of Education for their steadfast support of Hartford kids.”

The Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program partners school districts with summer program providers and youth camp operators to deliver mental health programming to students during the summer vacation months. The funding announced Thursday represents the third of three rounds of grants under the program.

“The need for mental health services for our youth continues year-round, and by enhancing existing programs and creating new initiatives tailored to their needs, we are investing in the future success and well-being of Connecticut’s youth,” Governor Lamont said. “The collaboration between school districts, summer camps, and mental health professionals is key to this effort, ensuring that our students receive the necessary support during these critical periods.”

“By partnering with schools, camps, and community-based programs, we are ensuring that mental health services are available year-round,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “This investment further extends the availability of social, emotional, and mental health supports during the summer through new community partners with innovative initiatives and programming to support students wherever they are spending time this summer.”

The recipients of the grants are as follows:

• Hartford School District, Hartford: $72,287.40
• Hartford Stage Company, Hartford: $17,000.00
• Hartford’s Camp Courant, Hartford: $84,999.42

Senator McCrory Applauds Financing for Affordable Hartford Housing Developments

Today, Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, welcomed state financing to support the renovation of two housing developments that will make available hundreds of units of affordable housing in Hartford.

These projects include renovations at MLK Apartments in Hartford’s Sheldon and Charter Oak neighborhood as well as the refurbishment of units at Bedford Gardens in the Clay Arsenal neighborhood.

“This financing is a vital step forward for Hartford, addressing our pressing need for more affordable housing options,” Senator McCrory said. “The redevelopment of MLK Apartments and Bedford Gardens will provide much-needed homes and strengthen our community by supporting households with lower incomes. I want to thank the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority for their crucial support in making these projects possible.”

The redevelopment of MLK Apartments will include 155 affordably priced units for households earning at or below 60% area median income.

The Connecticut Department of Housing announced last week it would provide $11.7 million in financing for this project. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is providing another $20.5 million in financing. Additionally, low-income housing tax credits are expected to generate more than $27 million in private investment for this project.

A separate project will fund the renovation of 84 units at Bedford Garden. These units will be designated as affordable to households who earn at or below 60% area median income.

New funding for this project includes $4 million from the Housing Department, $3.89 million in CHFA financing, and low-income housing tax credits, which are expected to generate more than $8.6 million in private investment.

The Department of Housing and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority announced the financing as one of nine projects, which will receive a total of more than $57 million in loans and grants from DOH and $51.6 million from CHFA.

These projects are expected to create a total of 722 housing units, including 651 for low- and moderate-income renters, 82 of which will be permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness and people with disabilities.

“Since 2019 we have built or rehabilitated 12,000 affordable units in different communities around the state, with another 5,000 under construction” Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno said. “Soon these units will become homes for many families who expect and deserve high-quality affordable living. DOH will continue to work with all our partners to ensure that residents have options that are affordable in the community they choose to call home.”

“We are excited to support these housing developments, which will make a meaningful impact on the lives of Connecticut residents,” CHFA CEO Nandini Natarajan said. “Through strategic financing and collaboration, CHFA is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for individuals and families across a range of income levels. These developments highlight the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering inclusive communities and addressing the diverse housing needs of our state.”