Hartford HHS reports growth in senior services, seeks staff and equipment for renter outreach

HARTFORD — Jackson Shadid, director of the City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services, told the Housing & Human Services committee on Feb. 3 that the Senior Services Division has processed more than 5,100 renter’s rebate applications this cycle, with 97% paid out and total payouts approaching $3,000,000.

Shadid said the division completed a new training manual, updated program literature, strengthened community partnerships and transitioned its home health contract from Hartford HealthCare to a new vendor, Harry at Home Help. "We successfully transitioned to a new vendor," she said, adding that staff established weekly check‑ins and a collaborative approach to handle difficult cases.

Why it matters: The presentation highlights growing demand for relocation and senior supports and identifies resource gaps the city may need to address during the upcoming Fiscal 2026–27 budget cycle.

Shadid described operational strains that affect delivery of mobile services: she asked for two additional interviewers—preferably Spanish‑speaking—and a dedicated vehicle large enough to carry printers, files and interviewers for on‑site renter's rebate intakes. "Right now our senior services team ... is using one of our fleet vehicles, which are pretty small," she said, noting staff are transporting equipment and clients in compact cars.

On nutrition, the department has hired a certified dietitian to prepare menus at two senior centers that follow national guidelines, and the North End Senior Center relocation has been "working out well" though new membership applications are paused until seating opens in April or May.

Shadid also described current staffing for relocation work as lean: she said the program operates with roughly one full‑time staff member plus part‑time support and a tenant liaison doing extra check‑ins. "If we're really looking to flesh this out and improve the process ... we are definitely gonna need... another full‑time staff," she said.

Council members asked for follow‑up data. One member requested historical counts of families served over 1‑, 2‑ and 5‑year windows; Shadid said she would prepare a report and said, "this past year we serve more than 100 families," and noted Sherbrooke relocation costs for the city's portion exceeded $600,000.

The committee did not vote on budget requests at the meeting. Shadid said staffing needs and specific budget line items would be addressed in the department's budget submission for 2026–27.

Next steps: The director agreed to provide detailed service counts and a staffing estimate tied to the proposed ordinance changes so committee members can assess budget implications.