State Reps. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain), Rick Lopes (D-New Britain, Newington, and Sen. Terry Gerratana (D-Berlin, Farmington, New Britain) are pleased to announce the expected approval $2.5 million for renovations at the Community Mental Health Affiliate (CMHA) facility on 26 Russel Street in New Britain which houses the Central CT Winter Shelter and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program Team Time Social Club.
“These renovations show our community’s commitment to these valuable programs,” Rep. Boukus said. “Social rehabilitation is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches of treating serious mental illness in a safe and welcoming environment. Also, a high percentage of homeless individuals suffer from mental illness and the Winter Shelter Program offers a break from the elements in the most dangerous months of the winter season.”
“This critical funding will allow Community Mental Health Affiliates to make necessary improvements to their facility while also expanding operational space, allowing them to improve and expand the services they offer,” said Sen. Gerratana. “CMHA is an incredible organization with close ties to our New Britain Community, providing vital mental health and behavioral assistance to children, adults and families. They have come to the aid of countless New Britain residents, and I’m glad we were able to return the favor and come to their aid by securing this funding.”
“CMHA, an organization that acts as an essential lifeline for those living with serious mental illness, will be receiving this grant from the state,” Rep. Lopes said. “Mental health services are a crucial component of a healthy community and these funds are part of the promise we made to improve those services.”
The Central CT Winter Shelter runs yearly from December through March to accommodate the increase in shelter participants during those months. Averages of more than 170 mentally ill homeless individuals use the facilities and are linked to other needed services through the program. The Team Time Social Club provides a peer-support program with opportunities to participate in group activities that promote social and life skills as well as connecting to other needed services.
Improvements will include total interior renovations: new kitchen, cafeteria, pantry, utility, dining room, bathrooms, game room, new HVAC system, windows, doors, flooring and a backup generator. An ADA-compliant elevator, entrances, and front patio will also be installed.
The State Bond Commission is slated to approve the funding at its next meeting on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building. The New Britain funds are on item #41 on the agenda.