Norwalk non-profits getting $400K from NYC Sandy relief concert

NORWALK, Conn. – Two Norwalk-area non-profits have received a substantial donation to be used to help low-income lower Fairfield County residents recover from Superstorm Sandy.

The North Walke Housing Corporation and Person-to-Person will receive a total of $400,000 in grants from the Robin Hood Relief Fund, money that was raised by the 12-12-12 The Concert for Sandy Relief held at Madison Square Garden, a press release from the mayor’s office said.

North Walke Housing Corporation, a 501(c)(3) subsidiary of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, has been awarded $250,000. The agency will use these funds to assist households with critical home repairs, as well as for rental assistance for Norwalk residents who are temporarily displaced by the storm, or for thoe who need support as they work to return their homes to a habitable condition.

“Between 50 and 150 of Norwalk’s neediest families will benefit from this award,” said Norwalk Redevelopment Agency Chairman Felix Serrano in the press release.

Person-to-Person, a Darien non-profit that recently merged with Norwalk’s Christian Community Action, has been awarded $150,000. Disbursement of the grant will provide assistance primarily to residents of greater Norwalk. Funds will help to replace household items, personal belongings and appliances, and, as needed, will support moving expenses and security deposits.

“The effect of Sandy on low-income families in the area was devastating,” says Person-to-Person Executive Director Ceci Maher. “Families already on tight budgets, relying on each paycheck to make ends meet and provide for their families experienced huge setbacks due to lost wages; many lacked the resources to repair damages and replace belongings. This grant from the Robin Hood Relief Fund will have a significant impact on the most vulnerable families.”

The two agencies will review requests for relief assistance on a case by case basis. Anyone looking for support should contact them directly.

Requests for information or assistance from Person-to-Person should be directed to Marina Thomas, the agency’s director of social services, at 203-656-4631, ext. 133.

North Walke staff can be reached at 203-854-7274. Program guidelines and application forms are also online.