Senator Richard Blumenthal and 5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes visited Danbury yesterday to tout a grant for the nonprofit New American Dream Foundation. The organization will use $50,000 in federal funding to provide more low income seniors in Danbury with hot meals. This funding was secured through the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
The Foundation currently provides 90 percent of all Danbury seniors living in affordable housing with hot meals, meeting the needs of those who do not qualify for Meals on Wheels. The money will allow them to buy 8,000 meals in 2023.
The New American Dream Foundation has been providing meals, first to students and then to seniors, for about two years now. Hayes touted the group's work for providing help it in a way that seniors can maintain their dignity. She notes many people, for the first time in their lives needed help they never needed before, due to the pandemic.
Hayes and Senator Richard Blumenthal also visited New Milford, stopping by the Butter Brook Hill Apartments. $1.7 million in federal funding will be used to upgrade the affordable senior housing complex and improve accessibility and mobility for residents. More than 100 residents, who are 62 years or older or disabled, live in the five building complex .
By widening walkways, installing remote operating door openers, renovating bathrooms, and expanding parking spaces, the delegation says the federal grant will make the Apartments compliant with standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
