Senator Duff Passes $5 Million in State Investment for Norwalk at CIF Meeting

Round 8 awards include $3 million for affordable housing on South Main Street and $2 million for mental health services on East Avenue

HARTFORD — Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today announced that two Norwalk projects received a combined $5 million in state funding through Round 8 of the Community Investment Fund 2030 at the CIF board meeting.

As the Majority Leader in the Senate, Senator Duff serves on the 21-member CIF Board.

Sound Communities, Inc. will receive $3 million for its affordable senior housing project at 79 South Main Street and the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center will receive $2 million to acquire a facility at 98 East Avenue.

Sound Communities, Inc. is redeveloping a half-acre transit-oriented site at 79 South Main Street and 6-8 Chestnut Street in South Norwalk, adjacent to the Metro-North station, to build 68 new affordable one- and two-bedroom units for seniors 62 and older. The project will replace outdated public housing at Leroy Downs on Monroe Street, relocating all 49 existing households while adding 19 new affordable senior units to the neighborhood.

Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center will use its $2 million award to purchase its longtime home at 98 East Avenue, where it currently rents and serves more than 2,500 children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers each year through behavioral health services including therapy, psychiatric evaluation, crisis stabilization, and school-based mental health programs in Norwalk Public Schools. More than 70 percent of Mid-Fairfield’s clients are covered by Medicaid or are uninsured. Acquiring the property will provide the organization with long-term operational stability and remove annual rental costs that can be redirected toward expanded services.

“The need for low-income senior housing is critical in Norwalk and across Connecticut as we see a rising number of seniors facing homelessness,” said Adam Bovilsky, Norwalk Housing Executive Director. “This funding will help us build a new affordable housing development that directly addresses the growing shortage of safe, affordable homes for low-income seniors.”

“Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center (Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center) is grateful to Senator Bob Duff and the Community Investment Fund for supporting our successful application to acquire the 98 East Avenue Buildings,” said Gail Melanson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center. “This investment strengthens the long-term stability of our organization and helps us meet the growing demand for behavioral health services for children, families, and adults across our region. Each year, more than 2,500 people turn to Mid-Fairfield for care, guidance, and support, and this investment helps ensure those services remain strong and accessible to the communities we serve. Senator Duff’s partnership plays an important role in helping us continue that work for children and families throughout the communities we serve.”

“This is $5 million going directly into Norwalk to support housing and mental health services for kids and families,” said Senator Duff. “These are two great organizations in our community. Sound Communities puts roofs over people’s heads on South Main Streets, and the Child Guidance Center is one of the most important resources we have for young people in this city. I’ve been fighting for both of these projects, and I’m glad to see them get across the finish line today.”

“Senior housing and behavioral health services for younger residents are a vital part of a thriving community. These projects will ensure that Norwalk residents have better access to the best care and supports possible across the lifespan. Thank you to the CIF board, including House Speaker Ritter and House Majority Leader Rojas, for your consideration,” said Rep. Dominque Johnson.

“These state investments reflect our commitment to meeting urgent community needs,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan. “Affordable housing on South Main Street will help create safe and stable homes for families, while the funding for mental health services on East Avenue expands access to critical care. Together, these projects strengthen the foundation for a healthier and more resilient community.”

“This $5 million investment through the Community Investment Fund directly addresses two urgent needs in Norwalk: affordable housing and access to mental health care,” said Rep. Travis Simms. “The South Main Street project will create 68 modern affordable apartments for seniors while replacing aging public housing, allowing longtime residents to remain in our community. At the same time, the funding for Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center will help secure a permanent home for services that support more than 2,500 children and families each year. This is a meaningful investment in housing stability, youth mental health, and the long-term strength of our community.”

“Sound Communities and Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center have both provided invaluable services to our community, and I am thrilled that they will receive much needed funding to maintain and expand upon their excellent work. Thank you to the CIF board for their continued investment in Norwalk,” said Rep. Kadeem Roberts.

“We are so grateful to Senator Duff and his advocacy for this funding for Norwalk,” said Norwalk Mayor Smyth. “Affordable housing, especially for seniors, is crucial and the $3 million for Sound Communities, Inc. will go a long way to help build 68 new affordable units for those 62 and older. And I’m so glad that Mid Fairfield Care Community Center will have a permanent home at 98 East Avenue. Mid Fairfield is a crucial resource for our youth and families here in Norwalk and this will help them continue to provide much needed services while giving them long-term operational stability by removing annual rental costs.”

The Community Investment Fund 2030 was created by the Connecticut General Assembly to direct state bond funding to municipalities and nonprofits for community development, housing, health services, and economic revitalization projects. Round 8 awarded $62.9 million to 38 projects statewide.