Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The following are frequently asked questions of the Human Services Department:
Child Care
How do I find the right child care arrangement for my child? Is there a particular number to call?
Call the Child Care InfoLine 1-800-505-1000.
- Who do parents call if they have difficulties with their child care provider?
Department of Public Health, Daycare Licensing at 509-8045 or the Emergency Toll Free Number 1-800-282-6063.
- Is there a School Readiness Council in Manchester?
Yes, a School Readiness Council consisting of representatives of various groups who deal with young children and their families meets regularly and sponsors programs and activities in the community. Parents are welcome to become involved. Call the Manchester Early Learning Center for more information about parent involvement. Also, check out the Manchester School Readiness web site.
I have clothing, furniture, household items, durable medical equipment I wish to donate to a needy family. How do I do this?
Clothing, small household items, medical equipment and furniture can be donated to the following agencies:
World Wide Lighthouse Missions accepts clothing, furniture and durable medical equipment. The phone number is 645-4141.
The Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC) clothing store accepts clothing and small household appliances. The phone number is 647-0800.
The Salvation Army will accept clothing, small household items and furniture. The phone number for information on donating clothing and household items is 646-6216. The phone number for information on donating furniture is 527-8106.
The Penny Saver Thrift Shop, run by Manchester Memorial Hospital, accepts donations of clothing. The phone number is 649-3297.
Second Hand Rose, run by MARC, Inc. accepts clothing and small household items. The phone number is 649-4066.
I have to perform community service. Can you help me with this?
You may do community service for any non-profit organization, such as the Town of Manchester, Manchester Area Conference of Churches, Manchester Association for Retarded Citizens, etc. You may pick up a list of organizations at Manchester Superior Court, 40 Center Street or at the Citizen Service Center in Town Hall at 41 Center Street.
You may call Infoline at 211 for additional information on these and others programs.
What are the requirements for septic systems or well permits?
Visit the Health Department Web Page @ /health/environmentalhealth.htm
- What are the rules, regulations and fees for opening a restaurant or other food service establishment?
People who are opening a new food service establishment are asked to come to the Manchester Health Department located at 479 Main Street in Manchester. There they will receive 1) an application and fee schedule, 2) a copy of the pertinent sections of the Manchester Code and the Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut, 3) a copy of an information sheet about Qualified Food Operators, and a plan review will be conducted by the town sanitarian. After the application and fee are submitted, an inspection will be conducted. If the inspection is satisfactory, a license will be issued which is good for one year. Renewals of food service licenses are done on a yearly basis.
- Where are classes for Qualified Food Operator training? And how do I sign up?
Classes are offered by the American Food Safety Institute. Call 1(800) 723-3873 for class times, dates, locations and fees or visit their website at www.americanfoodsafety.com.
I’m in need of financial assistance. Who do I call?
If you are looking for cash assistance and/or food stamps, you should call the State Dept. of Social Service at 647-1441. They are located at 699 East Middle Turnpike.
Other Programs that may assist you in paying expenses:
CRT (Fuel Assistance) 647-3095
ConnPace (prescriptions) 1-800-423-5026
Renter’s Rebate 647-3096
Homeowner’s Tax Relief 647-3016
QMB Medicare Beneficiary Program 647-1441
MACC 647-8003
- I’ve been laid off and can’t pay my rent. Can I get help with this?
You may contact MACC (647-8003) to inquire about limited financial help. Sometimes MACC can assist with a small cash amount. You might also call DSS regarding other financial programs such as SAGA, TANF, or Food Stamps. Have you spoken to your landlord about the possibility of a payment plan or some other method of paying at a later date? For information on your rights as a tenant and the best way to avoid eviction call the Housing Education Resource Center at296-4372.
- I need emergency housing for my children and myself. Is there a shelter in Town?
Yes there is a shelter in town at 466 Main Street. The Samaritan Shelter is open to adult men and women only. Shelters in Vernon (875-9702) and East Hartford (568-0323) are open to families with children. You need to call ahead and see if they have empty beds.
- I don’t have much money and would like to receive a food basket for Thanksgiving or toys for my children at Christmas. Where do I call?
If you are working with a particular agency in Town, you should contact your worker there to determine your eligibility. If you are not working with any agency, you may contact Elderly and Family Services at 479 Main Street, phone #647-3096 or you may also contact the Human Needs Office at Manchester Area Conference of Churches at 647-8003. MACC is also the contact for Toys for Joy Program.
- Can you give me information about homemakers, visiting nurses, or companions so that I (or my parent) can stay at home and remain independent?
Depending on your situation, it might be in your best interest to speak with one of our social workers so that they may evaluate the individual's needs. Call Elderly and Family at 647-3096.
- How do I apply for energy assistance and what are the guidelines?
There are income guidelines for energy assistance based on family size. The program runs each year from November until March. You can contact Manchester's CRT satellite office at 647-3095 for more information and to set up an appointment.
- Are people available to do carpentry and plumbing for low income people?
The Visiting Nurse and Health Services offers a Handyman Service providing light carpentry, plumbing, minor electrical repairs at reasonable hourly rates. Contact VNHS at 872-9163 and ask for a handyman.
- Are people available for raking leaves in the fall or snow shoveling in the winter?
Senior, Adult &d Family Services can provide a list of students’ names you can contact for snow shoveling and leaf raking for a fee to be arranged by you and the student. Call 647-3096. The Youth Service Bureau also has a list of students available for this type of work. Their phone number is 647-5213.
- What opportunities are available for volunteer work in the human services area?
Volunteer opportunities are available for such things as helping out with office work, driving people to medical appointments, visiting isolated older people in their homes, assisting with grocery shopping, being a foster grandparent and perhaps some seasonal type volunteer opportunities. Call 647-3096 for more information and ideas.
- Health Education/Screening/Promotion
What programs are being offered by the Health Department?
Please visit the Health Department's sector of this website. Click here.
- When and where are flu shots given?
The Manchester Health Department holds flu clinics in October and November which take place in various locations in the community including the Senior Center. Call the Health Department in the fall and check your newspaper for specific dates. For a listing of flu clinics in the area, call the American Lung Association Flu Shot Hotline 1-888-668-6358 or call Infoline at 211.
- Health Insurance/Access to Health Care
Does the Town have a low cost dental service?
Yes. The Health Department in association with the Manchester Dental Society, offers a dental program based on a sliding fee scale. An application must be filled out and returned to the Manchester Health Department at 479 Main Street. Call 647-3173 for an application. This program is only available to uninsured, low-income Manchester residents. Proof of residency and income verification is required
The Manchester Dental Clinic is open at 150 North Main Street. This dental clinic provides services for everyone, but was especially created for the uninsured/underinsured and Medicaid patients. There is an affiliated dental clinic open in East Hartford also.
To contact the Manchester Dental Clinic, call (860) 646-4678.
To contact the East Hartford Dental Clinic, call (860) 528-1359
- If I am a senior citizen, how can I obtain information on inexpensive health insurance or affordable, medigap insurance?
Call the Town of Manchester’s Senior, Adult & Family Services at 647-3096.
- I just lost my job and have no insurance for me and my children. What should I do?
You and your children may be eligible for Connecticut’s free or low-cost health insurance program called HUSKY. This program is for children up to age 19 and some parents who are low income. HUSKY is open to children in working families of any income level. For information or to obtain an application, call 1-877-284-3759.
The adults in the family who are not eligible for HUSKY may be eligible for other types of medical assistance. Call the Department of Social Services at 647-1441 for more information.
- Where can I receive low cost medical services for myself or my family?
East Hartford Community Health Care Center offers low cost services. Call 528-1359. For more referrals, call Infoline at 211.
- Are medical services performed in the Health Department?
No, medical services are not performed.
Housing
- What are my options for affordable housing, Section 8, subsidized housing and or senior citizen housing?
The Manchester Housing Authority, 643-2163, provides a variety of services to Manchester residents. They offer a Section 8 program and subsidized housing for the elderly, disabled and a small number of low income families. They also provide information on other housing opportunities in the area.
- What is "assisted living"? Are there any places in Manchester?
Assisted living is a managed residential community of individual apartments that provides a full range of support services from daily meals, laundry, transportation, recreation and maintenance. Nursing services are available 24 hours/day.
For information on assisted living facilities in Manchester and the surrounding area, you can call the Town of Manchester Elderly and Family Services Department at 647-3096.
- What is "congregate housing"? Are there any places in Manchester?
Congregate housing is elderly rental housing which includes a private kitchen and bath and offers some assistance. Services may include one meal daily, housekeeping and recreation, and an on-site staff person.
Manchester’s only congregate housing facility is Westhill Gardens Congregate Housing. For more information you can call 643-8881. For information on congregate housing facilities in the surrounding area, you can call the Town of Manchester Elderly and Family Services Department at 647-3096.
- My landlord is evicting me. Can they do this and what are my options?
No, your landlord cannot do this without due process. A Notice to Quit Possession is not an Eviction Notice. The Housing Education Resource Center in Hartford provides services to Manchester residents and will answer your questions regarding the eviction process. Call 296-4242, Monday through Friday, 9-5:00 p.m.
Legal Advice
- I'm getting a divorce and can't afford a lawyer. Is there legal aid in Manchester?
Manchester has no legal aid program. Connecticut legal assistance programs provide free civil legal services to income eligible individuals, in the form of direct representation in crisis situations, advice, referrals, and legal self-help materials. Call Statewide Legal Services at 1-800-453-3320 for info.
- I am over 60 and I need some legal advice. Who can I call?
Call CT Lawyers Legal Aid to the Elderly at (860)273-8164.
Mental Health
- I am looking for family counseling. Can you suggest agencies in Manchester?
Some counseling agencies in Manchester will serve you based on your ability to pay for the service such as Manchester Memorial Hospital at 646-1222.
If you require counseling primarily for your children, contact the Community Child Guidance Clinic at 643-2101.
If you feel you need assistance regarding prevention of child abuse relating to your own family situation, you may call Time Out for Parents at 645-2244.
Infoline at 211 for a listing of agencies in our area which may provide you with low-cost counseling services.
- I have a teenager and we are having some family problems. Can you suggest an agency we can contact?
You may wish to contact the Town’s Youth Services Bureau at 647-5213 for information about the variety of programs available for adolescents in the community.
If your teenager is at Bennet Middle School and could use a support group with other adolescents after school, you may wish to contact Crossroads at 643-2701.
Community Child Guidance Clinic at 643-2101 may also be of help.
- My adult family member has a problem with chronic mental illness but doesn’t need in-patient care. Are there any community-based services available for him?
If your family member has had a history of chronic mental illness, they may wish to contact Genesis at 646-3888. Genesis programs include: Client Assessment, Case Management, Out-Patient Clinic, Crisis Services, Family Services, Clubhouse Activities and Behavioral Health Unit.
Manchester Memorial Hospital Behavorial Health Program at 533-3434 located at 150 North Main Street.
If substance abuse is the primary diagnosis, you may wish to contact Community Prevention and Addiction Services (CPAS) at (203) 456-3215 for out-patient counseling.
Transportation
- What is Dial-A-Ride? Where does it go and how much does it cost?
Dial-A-Ride offers rides to places within Manchester, Monday thru Friday primarily for senior citizens or people with disabilities. Reservations and registration is required. Call (860)870-7940.
- How can a disabled person get a ride to work or to a medical appointment in Hartford (or outside of Manchester)? Can this be done on a regular basis?
ADA ( Americans with Disabilities Act) Transportation provides rides in the Greater Hartford area 7 days a week for people with all types of disabilities which prevent use of public transit. Fares are charged. The number to call is 724-5340.
- My parent has cancer and needs to get to Hartford Hospital for treatment. Do you have a service that will take him there?
American Cancer Society may assist in driving patients to treatment if a volunteer is available. The number to call is 643-2168.
- I am disabled and need a handicapped permit. Where can I obtain this?
Contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for parking permits for persons with disabilities. The number to call is 566-4710.
- What does the Senior Center offer and is there transportation available?
The Senior Center bus transportation operates within the Town of Manchester from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must call the Senior Center by noon on the day before a scheduled trip at 647-3211. The Senior Center bus will pick you up at your home and return you there. The bus will take you to the Senior Center for classes, activities, trips and meals. The bus will take you to Stop & Shop on Tues. for grocery shopping and to a different department store each Wed. On the 4th Wed. of the month, the bus will drop you at the mall or the Christmas Tree Shop.
