The Newtown Rotary Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, has established the Newtown Rotary Utility Relief Fund. This fund will provide resources to Newtown families and individuals severely impacted financially due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The [FAITH Food Pantry] had been most of the focus and Rotary had given $525 worth of food to [FAITH],” Newtown Rotary President David Freedman told The Newtown Bee, “so we reached out to Human Services — Natalie Jackson [Newtown Director of Human Services] — and we determined that utilities would be the best need now and moving forward.”

The specifics of the fund are as follows:

Who Will This Fund Help?

Individuals and families who are unable to afford their utility bills (electric and gas) and have fallen behind in payments due to illness, unemployment, or reduced employment income.

How Does Someone Apply For Relief Funds?

The Newtown Department of Human Services will accept requests for assistance and will determine need. Requests for assistance will be kept private and will only be known to case workers employed by the Newtown Department of Human Services. Payments will be made directly to the utility company on behalf of each approved applicant. A maximum benefit of $100 per household is in place until additional funds become available. The Newtown Department of Human Services can be contacted at 203-270-4330.

How Much Is Available In The Fund?

The initial funding of $5,000 comes from the Newtown Rotary Foundation. Up to an additional $5,000 is available for matching any contributions from the public. The rotary club hopes that additional sources of funding will be become available from generous donors in the community to assist fellow neighbors.

How To Make A Donation?

Visit the Newtown Rotary website, newtownctrotary.org, or make checks payable to Newtown Rotary Foundation-Utility Relief and mail to PO Box 263, Newtown CT 06470.

The Rotary Club of Newtown has been active in the Newtown community since 1939 and consists of volunteers who provide community services in many ways throughout the year. Oversight of the fund will be provided by members of the club and the Newtown Rotary Foundation.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Newtown, visit newtownctrotary.org or Facebook.com/newtownctrotaryclub, or e-mail the club president, David Freedman, at president@newtownctrotary.org.