Free Taxes, Food Assistance, & More: Woodbridge Human Services Offers a Helping Hand

‍Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Tuesdays, 9 am - 1 pm. VITA is a free tax preparation service available to individuals who are income qualifying, to people who have a disability, and to those who speak limited English. The program will begin February 6 and run through April 11.  For required tax documents and to schedule an appointment call 203-389-3429. For more details on Woodbridge VITA services, see the Human Services website here: https://www.woodbridgect.org/223/Human-Services-Department.

Food Pantry: Residents in need may call for access to non-perishable food each month. If interested in donating, the food pantry needs cleaning products, laundry soap, peanut butter and jams / jellies, coffee (both ground and instant), shelf stable milk, canola and olive oil, condiments (especially ketchup and mayonnaise), canned chicken, pasta sauce, snack foods, and personal hygiene products such as deodorant, toothpaste, razors, and shampoo.  

‍Energy Assistance Program: Qualifying residents may schedule an appointment to apply for the 2023 - 2024 CT Energy Assistance Program administered by TEAM, INC. For more information regarding this program, please call Human Services Social Worker Judi Young at 203-389 3429.

‍Tax Relief Programs: Woodbridge residents may file applications for the State and Town Elderly and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) Tax Relief Programs by May 15, 2024. You must be 65 or older or you must have a Total Permanent Disability (TBD) prior to December 31, 2023. This is an income-based program and proof of income and 2023 Federal Tax Return, if filed, are required. Forms may be found online at https://www.woodbridgect.org/164/Renters-Relief-Program.

Woodbridge veteran residents may file applications for the State and Town Additional Veteran Program by October 1, 2024. DD-214 discharge papers need to have been filed with the Town Clerk’s Office by September 30, 2023, for eligibility this year. There is no age requirement. This is an income-based program and proof of income and 2023 Federal Tax Return, if filed, are required. Applications may be completed at the website or in person at the Assessor’s Office at Town Hall. You may also connect to the state program through this website link. The biennial application can be found here: http://www.woodbridgect.org/165/Veterans-Exemption.

Stop & Shop Bloomin’ for Good Program has once again chosen the Woodbridge Resident Assistance Fund (RAF) as a designated charity. For every $10.99-priced bunch of flowers purchased at their Ansonia store (100 Division Street) during the month of February the RAF will receive $1.00.

‍Emergency Preparedness: Please make sure you and your neighbors are prepared for weather emergencies. Lists of important phone numbers and items for an emergency supply kit are essential. Supply kits should contain bottled water, batteries, flashlights, a manual can opener and canned food, pet food (if needed), chargers, and more. For a comprehensive list please see the Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness. Older residents, disabled residents, and residents who have medications requiring refrigeration, medical equipment that requires electricity to operate, or other special needs are encouraged to contact the department to register for the Emergency Call List. Those residents will be added to contact list to receive a call ahead of forecasted weather emergencies and power outages.

‍Radon Testing and Abatement: It’s the time of year when residents are encouraged to test their homes for Radon. Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that is naturally released from rocks, soil, and water. It can get into homes through small cracks and holes, build up in the air, and over time, cause lung cancer from breathing it in. The only way to know is to test. For a limited time, the Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) has test kits available for Woodbridge residents. You must contact QVHD at (203) 248-4528 directly. If you are looking for a Radon abatement professional, the state has an approved list of providers at: Radon - Professionals (ct.gov).

Memorial Donations: Woodbridge Human Services and the Woodbridge Center are pleased to announce that contributions are welcome to honor or pay tribute to a special friend, relative or neighbor who has passed away. Checks in any amount should be accompanied by the name of the honoree, made payable to the Town of Woodbridge with either The Woodbridge Center or the Resident Assistance Fund in the memo line.

Call 203-389-3429 or email humanservices@woodbridgect.org for more information.