Access Community Action Agency

Provides opportunities for residents in Windham and Tolland counties to have safe, affordable housing. Our programs include the rehabilitation of multi-family homes that are available for purchase, as well as funding to help current homeowners who are income eligible improve their properties.

The first stop for those seeking assistance. Customer needs are assessed and plans are developed for assistance with employment, DSS benefits, housing, transportation, referral, and information about other Access programs and other community providers. Individuals age 60 and over in Columbia may receive case management, information, assistance, outreach, and education services at Beckish Senior Center.

The Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimburses the licensed home child care providers in Connecticut for serving nutritious meals and snacks to the day care children in their care. CACFP offers nutrition consultation with CACFP nutrition experts through home visits and monthly newsletters.  CACFP currently has 150 licensed home care providers serving approximately 1,200 children.

The 50-bed Emergency Shelter is available to homeless families and individuals. Three daily meals and all necessary personal items are supplied. Residents must participate in a house and job search as part of their action plan.

Income eligible households at risk of going without heat during the winter may apply for Connecticut Energy Assistance or the Contingency Heating Assistance Program. Programs provide deliverable fuel and also replace inoperable heating systems or repair, clean, tune and test systems. Reduced energy burden, improved payment patterns, energy conservation, and improved self-sufficiency also available for qualified participants.

Access provides nutritional meals, sample recipes and menus to households on an emergency basis.

Provide assistance to chronically homeless single adults in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing through case management education, vouchers and other support.

Dedicated to family preservation and reunification, Access is contracted by The Connection, Inc. to provide Supportive Housing for Families (SHF) providing intensive home-based case management and subsidized housing to families who are in successful compliance with their DCF treatment plan.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program provides nutritious, supplemental no-cost food, nutrition education, heath service referrals, and breast feeding support to eligible families. Vouchers are provided for specific WIC-approved foods that can be exchanged at participating markets and stores.