Senator Hochadel Celebrates More than $1.8 Million in Grants for Middletown Nonprofits

Sen. Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, celebrated the release of more than $1.8 million in state support this week for capital improvement projects at Middletown-based nonprofit groups that serve residents struggling with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and homelessness.

“Nonprofits like Gilead, The Connection, and St. Vincent de Paul provide crucial support to members of our community when they need it most and these grants will help offset the cost of critical upgrades to their operations,” Senator Hochadel said. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for releasing this funding.”

The grants include $950,000 to support new construction at St. Vincent de Paul, a nonprofit that helps meet the needs of people struggling with financial hardship and homelessness in the greater Middletown area.

Gilead Community Services, a nonprofit providing housing and clinical support for residents experiencing mental illness, was awarded $105,300 to upgrade and replace clinical laptops and monitors, as well as $71,544 for waterproofing and HVAC upgrades.

Additionally, The Connection, a nonprofit that works to help residents experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders will receive $544,222 for IT infrastructure and $144,100 for electrical upgrades.

The governor’s office awarded the grants under the state Nonprofit Grant Program, an initiative that has provided more than $130 million in support for capital projects by Connecticut nonprofit groups since it was established in 2013.

“Connecticut’s nonprofit providers support residents in every town and are a vital part of our social services safety net,” Governor Lamont said. “Providing funding to make strategic investments helps these organizations deliver the services some of our most vulnerable residents depend upon. This grant funding will help all of the residents that these organizations support be able to utilize their personal strengths, talents, and passions.”