Norwalk’s Community Resource Hub Receives Municipal Excellence Award
NORWALK, CT – The City of Norwalk’s Community Resource Hub (CRH) has been recognized for its outstanding service to the community by receiving the prestigious Municipal Excellence Award, as announced by Mayor Harry Rilling. This accolade was presented at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Convention, held on December 5, 2024, where Norwalk was honored in the Population 3 General Awards category.
In his acceptance speech, Mayor Rilling emphasized the importance of the CRH program, which was established to address the challenges that residents face in accessing vital resources. “Oftentimes, residents are unfamiliar with how to navigate systems to get the resources they need and come directly to City Hall to seek help,” he noted. “I’m proud that the Community Resource Hub is being recognized for helping thousands of residents in Norwalk.” The mayor encouraged individuals experiencing difficulties to reach out to the Hub, which connects them with essential services such as food pantries, clothing assistance, employment resources, and health support.
The inception of Norwalk’s CRH dates back to 2022, and it evolved from the Family Navigation Program launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Family Navigation Program aimed to identify and address emerging needs among struggling families. The CRH is located within the city’s Community Services Department and serves as a centralized point for residents to connect with various community-based service providers.
Lamond Daniels, Chief of Community Services for the City of Norwalk, expressed pride in the CRH’s ability to adapt and grow: “The Community Resource Hub demonstrates our commitment to meeting residents where they are and connecting them to the resources they need.” He highlighted the collaboration of the city’s dedicated team and community partners, which has been instrumental in providing essential support to residents.
Data from the CRH indicates a significant increase in service outreach over the last year. From July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the CRH served 1,206 households, encompassing 2,734 individuals. Notably, the predominant needs identified at intake were related to food security, housing stability, and employment assistance. This represents an extraordinary 903% growth compared to the previous year, during which the program served 792 households comprising 2,118 residents.
The CRH’s remarkable expansion can be attributed to a successful public-private partnership, bolstered by generous funding from the Per and Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation and the Ritter Family Foundation. Such partnerships emphasize the critical role of community engagement in addressing socioeconomic challenges.
As Norwalk continues to grow and adapt, the Community Resource Hub remains a vital lifeline for many, reflecting the city’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where all residents can access necessary resources and support.
