As the government shutdown unfolds, the strain on Connecticut families is already clear.  

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Two in Five CT Families Are Struggling, Here’s How We Can Make a Difference  

In Connecticut, 40% of households—over 580,000 ALICE families—are working hard but still struggle to afford essentials like housing, child care, food, and health care. In UWCWC’s region, covering Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties, 42% of households—nearly 129,000 families—are considered ALICE.

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Two in Five CT Families Can’t Afford the Basics—Here’s How We Can Help 

In CT, more than 580,000 ALICE families or 40% of households - are working hard but still can’t afford basics like housing, child care, food, and health care. Rising costs, stagnant wages, and economic uncertainty are hitting them first and hardest, leaving many without the protection they need to get by. 

Since 2009, United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut has partnered with the City of Danbury to administer Social Service Grants. Organizations in the Greater Danbury area serving Danbury residents that provide services in one of the following three areas will be eligible for funding and are invited to apply:

42% of households in Coastal and Western CT earn incomes below the cost of living threshold.

ALICE families have been overlooked and undercounted by traditional poverty measures. ALICE is the nation’s child care workers, home health aides and cashiers heralded during the pandemic – those working low-wage jobs, with little or no savings and one emergency away from poverty.

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Make Your Voice Heard 

Municipal primaries are Tuesday, September 9, with early voting September 2–7.

Danbury, CT (August, 2025) – United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut announced today that Eversource Energy, a long-time supporter of United Way agencies across New England, is providing a $74,500 donation to support the United Way’s critical efforts to tackle the most pressing issues facing local families and individuals. The donation is part of the $2.7 million total over the last year from Eversource employees and the Eversource Foundation to United Way organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

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Protect Our Communities — Stand with Connecticut Families 

Nobody should have to choose between paying for groceries and seeing a doctor. Yet federal cuts to SNAP and HUSKY put thousands of Connecticut residents at risk of losing access to food and healthcare.  

Connecticut can help offset federal cuts to SNAP and HUSKY. State dollars should be used to protect these essential supports as much as possible—before they are lost. 

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Federal Policy 

Full-Service Community Schools Are Working — Let’s Not Lose Them 

At Dolan and Rippowam Middle Schools, FSCS Managers connect 1,300+ students and families with vital support — bringing in $2M+ in local services.

The results speak for themselves: 

Welcome to this month’s Quick Minute! In just 60 seconds, we’re highlighting how the Food Farmacy of Greater Danbury is transforming health and wellbeing in our community. By treating food as medicine, the Food Farmacy helps bridge gaps in health equity, reduce chronic disease, and build a healthier future for our neighbors in need.