Let’s Not Turn Away

The Most Vulnerable

To the Editor:

The governor recently announced her proposed budget “rescissions,” a/k/a cuts, to close the budget gap. Included in this is a proposed $2 million cut to the Department of Social Services, including a 25 percent cut to housing and homeless services.

In addition, the governor proposes freezing intakes for the state general assistance program, canceling funding for HOME CT, increasing co-pays on Medicaid, and reducing coverage under HUSKY.

As the case manager and housing advocate for the Association of Religious Communities (ARC), it is disappointing to see our state suggesting to cut services to our most vulnerable citizens — at a time of their greatest need.

As I cleaned off my car to drive to Hartford yesterday, and went into my warm house to change into dry clothes. I thought of a man that came into our office Monday. He is seeking our help in applying for the Vet House on New Street — and he is sleeping in his car in the meantime. It will be 15 degrees out tomorrow night. Let’s not turn away our most vulnerable in these cold economic times.

Very sincerely,

Nikki Singer

Case Manager and Housing Advocate,

The Association of Religious Communities (ARC)

and Lifelong Newtown Resident

16 Lyrical Lane, Sandy Hook                                 December 10, 2009