West Hartford Human Rights Commission

11/02/2025

Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance program is now open for eligible Connecticut households seeking support with electric, gas, and fuel expenses.

This is program cycle #2 of 4, so if you are not ready to apply just yet, there will be additional opportunities in the coming months. Be sure to review eligibility requirements, gather all necessary documentation, and submit your application by Monday, November 10. To learn more and apply, go to: gpct.org/gethelp

Help us spread the word by sharing this with your friends and family. You never know who might need the support! 💙💚💛

10/30/2025

Operation Fuel has rebranded and is now called Generation Power CT (GPCT). GPCT has transitioned from two seasons to four emergency energy assistance cycles. These cycles will be “open” to receiving applications. Applications are now being accepted from November 2-10. Applications are online at https://gpct.org/gethelp or call (860) 243-2345.

The next application cycle will be:
• January 2 - 10, 2026
• March 2 - 10, 2026

CRT can also help if you have trouble paying your home heating bills. For more information contact CRT Energy Assistance at 860-560-5800 or apply online at www.ct.gov/heatinghelp/applyonline. Please note the first day that fuel deliveries that can be paid by the program is November 3, 2025.

10/29/2025

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed the State of Connecticut that SNAP benefits may not be available in November 2025 if the shutdown continues. If you currently receive SNAP benefits and still have funds on your card, please use them by October 31, 2025. After that date, cards may temporarily stop working until federal operations resume.

If you need food assistance, help is available.

The West Hartford Food Pantry is here for anyone in need. Call (860) 561-7572 or (860) 561-7580, or visit our website: westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/social-services/food-pantry

CT Foodshare also has mobile pantry sites with fresh produce and perishable items available in West Hartford and across the state. Visit https://www.ctfoodshare.org/find-food for a location near you.

Connecticut Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for women, infants, and children that provides supplemental food benefits and nutrition education. To learn more, visit https://portal.ct.gov/Services/Health-and-Human-Services/Children-Family-and-Older-Adults/WIC-Program

Community Supporting Community

West Hartford has always been a town that looks out for one another. If you’re in a position to help, please consider donating to the Food Pantry. Every contribution—large or small—makes a difference and helps ensure that all of our neighbors have access to the food they need during this uncertain time. Link to donate online to the Town That Cares fund can be found here: https://westhartford.seamlessdocs.com/ng/fa/TTTC

Together, we can continue to support one another and keep our community strong.

10/26/2025

🥫 Support Our Neighbors – Because Food Is a Human Right!

Come out on Sunday, November 2nd from 11 AM – 2 PM to the West Hartford Town Hall Parking Lot for the Community Block Party! And, while you're there help stock the Food Pantry and support the Town That Cares Fund.

With the federal government shutdown ongoing, SNAP benefits may be suspended starting November 1st – putting thousands of Connecticut families at risk of going without food.

🛒 Priority Items Include:
Canned fruit, cereal, pasta, rice, peanut butter, soup, canned meats, snacks, hygiene products, and more.

❤️ Prefer to give online?
Scan the QR code or visit the Town That Cares Fund page to make a donation: https://westhartford.seamlessdocs.com/ng/fa/TTTC

🕊️ As outlined in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to “a standard of living adequate for health and well-being…including food, clothing, housing and medical care.” Let’s come together to ensure all our neighbors have these basic needs – especially during this uncertain time.

📍 More info: http://westhartfordct.gov/tow.../social-services/food-pantry

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10/21/2025

Reminder! Come join us tonight! If you can't make it in-person, you can watch the event live (or watch the recording later!), thanks to - West Hartford Community Interactive: https://whci.online/2025/10/17/know-your-rights-immigration-panel-noah-webster-library-october-21-2025/

Are you concerned about immigration issues in our community?
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to best support and protect friends, family, and neighbors?
Join us for an Immigration Rights Forum to learn, ask questions, and connect with local leaders as well as immigrant rights activists and legal experts.🗓 Tuesday, October 21
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Noah Webster Library, West Hartford

Panelists and main topics of discussion include:
Constanza Segovia of Colectivo de Defensa de Hartford / Hartford Deportation Defense – Immigrant-rights movement priorities, calling for a Special Session to strengthen immigrant rights
Andrea Sanchez of CT Students for a Dream – effects on youth, schools, and unaccompanied minors
Attorney Dana Bucin – Employment-based immigration & H-1B updates
Attorney Kara Hart – Family sponsorship and permanent residence

WHHRC is proud to be a co-sponsor of this event along with the West Hartford delegation. Can't join us in-person? No worries, West Hartford Community Interactive will be livestreaming the event.
Commissioners Lance & Ware will be moderating the panel and Q&A session. So, if you can't attend in-person or are camera-shy, feel free to submit a question for the panel before the session. Just email us at: WeHaHRC@gmail.com.

10/16/2025

Are you concerned about immigration issues in our community?
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to best support and protect friends, family, and neighbors?
Join us for an Immigration Rights Forum to learn, ask questions, and connect with local leaders as well as immigrant rights activists and legal experts.🗓 Tuesday, October 21
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Noah Webster Library, West Hartford

Panelists and main topics of discussion include:
Constanza Segovia of Colectivo de Defensa de Hartford / Hartford Deportation Defense – Immigrant-rights movement priorities, calling for a Special Session to strengthen immigrant rights
Andrea Sanchez of CT Students for a Dream – effects on youth, schools, and unaccompanied minors
Attorney Dana Bucin – Employment-based immigration & H-1B updates
Attorney Kara Hart – Family sponsorship and permanent residence

WHHRC is proud to be a co-sponsor of this event along with the West Hartford delegation. Can't join us in-person? No worries, West Hartford Community Interactive will be livestreaming the event.
Commissioners Lance & Ware will be moderating the panel and Q&A session. So, if you can't attend in-person or are camera-shy, feel free to submit a question for the panel before the session. Just email us at: WeHaHRC@gmail.com.

09/10/2025

West Hartford Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity and grief with our Nepali neighbors and friends. Human rights are universal and not bound by borders - what affects one of us affects all of us.

Thank you to the organizers and to those who came and attended the vigil last night. Together, we reaffirm Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.” We also lift up Article 3: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”

Organizers say frustration has been building for years over government misconduct in Nepal. The sudden social media ban only ignited anger further.

09/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/16aRytLLQQ/

What: A Candlelight Vigil to honor the innocent lives lost during the recent youth-led Gen-Z protests in Nepal, where peaceful demonstrators — including children — were met with deadly force. The vigil will include candle lighting, brief remarks, and a collective moment of silence.

When:
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Where:
West Hartford Town Hall
50 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
Why: To mourn the deceased, pray for the injured, and stand in solidarity with the youth of Nepal in their call for peace and justice.

Send a message to learn more

08/25/2025

Standing in solidarity for human rights with our Newington neighbors.