Murphy Pops Into Town To Push Covid Relief For Summer Youth Programs, Food Distribution

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy made two New Haven stops Monday to discuss his efforts to bring back federal funding for youth summer enrichment programs and the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries (FEED) Act.

Murphy’s first stop was at the Boys and Girls Club New Haven (BGCNH) on Columbus Avenue; the second at soon-to-open new location of Dperv’s T.O.P. BBQ on Whalley Avenue.

Murphy is proposing that the $1.9 trillion Covid relief package currently before Congress include money for summer programming to address the learning gap caused by school-building closings during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is also proposing that the federal government reimburse 100 percent of the cost to states and localities that have been partnering with restaurants and nonprofits to prepare nutritious meals for vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

At the Boys & Girls Club, Murphy joined U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of New Haven and local leaders for a roundtable discussion about how the additional funds could be used for youth summer programs.

DeLauro reported that the average student will be at least seven months behind in academics due to remote learning during the pandemic. The learning gap is even larger for students of color, non-English learners, and students with disabilities, DeLauro added.

“I think that there are some kids that just need something this summer that’s emotionally healthy that sort of resets their brain,” Murphy said.

Clifford Beers Clinic CEO Alice Forrester said this summer’s programs should focus largely on reengaging the students socially with activities like sports. ​“A lot of our kids are feeling the pain of disconnection,” she said.

Forrester said the funding should also incorporate a plan for students aged 16 – 24, who are struggling.

“They have been closed in. They need to get out,” said New Haven Youth Services Director Gwendolyn Williams.

Williams said the program should address the increasing number of at-risk youth and their behaviors causing community violence. As a social worker, Williams said, she correlates the increase in violence with the lack of resources, unprocessed traumatic grief and loss, and the lack of regular social actives.

State Rep. Toni Walker said the community is dealing not only with the Covid pandemic but with larger issues like racism and poverty in everyday struggles. ​“Some of the kids have stolen cars because they have no place to live,” Walker said. ​“We can’t criminalize our kids.”

“2020 has given us a restart button,” said Walker.

Hill Alder Ron Hurt said he has seen firsthand the emotional and mental effects the pandemic has had on youth. ​“We need a lot of mental health to help our young people cope with this pandemic. And not only that but the vicissitudes of life,” he said. ​“Some of our young people do things that they don’t want to do but they have to do it because there’s a need in the home.”

Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Barbara Chesler said s BGCNH is planning an eight-week program this summer. The program will require the center to set up tents for outdoor classrooms in order to reach more students.

The BGCNH opened its doors on Sept. 9 for a learning hub with a capacity of 50 students to offer a safe and structured learning environment for kids learning remotely.

The hub was quiet Monday, with snowy weather limiting attendance.

Murphy hopes for the package to fund summer camps for every kid in the state regardless of family income.

Watch the roundtable discussion here and here.

Murphy also paid a visit to DPerv’s Top Barbeque’s new location at 554 Whalley Ave. Murphy spoke with owners Darryl Pervis and Thomea Oliver Pervis about his proposed FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries (FEED) Act.

The bill would direct the federal government to pay 100 percent of the cost to small business partners and organizations that deliver meals to those in need during the pandemic.

Biden signed an executive order this month increasing FEMA assistance from 75 percent to 100 percent of restaurants cost for feeding programs.

“Covid is a federal emergency. And so the federal government should be picking up 100 percent of the cost of making sure that the people are fed,” Murphy said.

During the pandemic the Pervises have fed 7,000 meals to hungry Hamden firefighters, correctional officers, nursing home residents and staff, New Haven firefighters, homeless shelter residents, and neighbors.

Murphy is working with Republican U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina on the bill.

When the pandemic began, the Pervises applied for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Covid relief funding. They were turned down. The lack of financial assistance caused them to have to close the restaurant’s then-location in Hamden. Now they’re preparing the Whalley location to reopen.

After closing the Pervises began putting their money instead into feeding the community comfort meals daily. They continue to do that.

New Haven State Rep. Robyn Porter joined the Pervises for their ​“Thankful Thursdays” events, in which they fed all three shifts of a nursing home staff each week.

“If you help him ​‚you’ll be helping so many people,” Porter told Murphy.

Darryl said he used to be homeless. Growing up Thomea occasionally had to depend on only soup kitchen or food pantries for meals. Over the past 15 years the Pervises have been giving back to the community with haircuts on the Green for the homeless, food distribution, school mentoring, an annual community day, and an open mic night for youth in foster care.

“Street by street. Corner by corner. Person by person, I want to make a difference,” Darryl said.

“It’s a win win if you put federal dollars into feeding programs like this. You’re feeding the hungry, but you’re also helping keep small restaurants alive,” Murphy said.