Mae Flexer

Sen. Flexer Welcomes $700K State Community Development Funds for Killingly Domestic Violence Shelter

KILLINGLY—Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) today welcomed a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant for much-needed renovations to the Killingly Domestic Violence Shelter Rehabilitation Project.

The Town of Killingly, in conjunction with United Services Inc., will complete capital improvements on their 12-bed domestic violence shelter. The work includes a complete renovation of the property, with energy-efficient improvements. The work will include replacing windows, doors, insulation, upgrades to plumbing, electrical upgrades, improvements to ensure code compliance, and a modification to the internal design of the facility to maximize space.

“In Connecticut, we are committed to ensuring that survivors of domestic violence are treated equitably and with dignity,” Sen. Flexer said. “I’m proud to have fought for this funding which will allow the Killingly shelter to continue to be a safe haven for women and families in our community as they escape violence in their homes.”

With Connecticut domestic violence shelters operating at 122 percent of capacity statewide and a critical need for solutions, Sen. Flexer joined the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) last month to announce the success of their unique and innovative partnership to house survivors of domestic violence facing homelessness. Through this groundbreaking approach, recognized as a national model of collaboration, 73 households, including 28 single adults and 45 families, have been housed or begun the process of securing permanent housing during the first 18 months of the program.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) Commissioner Evonne M. Klein today announced that $10.5 million is being awarded to 16 municipalities in Connecticut to provide infrastructure upgrades and improvements with the goal of combatting blight, improving neighborhoods, and increasing economic development.

Awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities program, which is administered by DOH with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the grants are given to small towns that have a population below 50,000 residents and will advance projects that develop and preserve affordable housing, provide services to the most vulnerable residents in their communities, and also create and retain jobs.