Working with local appliance business Hallock’s, and with assistance from State Representative Robin Comey (D, 102), Branford Housing Authority (BHA) has tripled the value of a $10,000 grant to deliver 22 new, energy efficient appliances to Branford elderly and adults with disabilities residing at Parkside Village II.

On the morning of Jan. 5, two delivery trucks filled with new stoves and refrigerators pulled in at the low-income housing complex, located at 3 Block Island Road. Next, Hallock’s crew members unloaded and installed each of the new appliances, and removed the old ones.

Funding for the effort came from a $10,000 state grant from the IOREBTA (Interest on Real Estate Brokers Trust Account), which BHA procured with assistance from Comey. BHA’s intention was to design the grant distribution so it would have an immediate impact on tenants’ finances and comfort, by reducing their energy costs, said BHA chairman Anthony Wight.

On behalf of the BHA board, Wight recognized several individuals in Branford who made the event possible, including Comey, who brought the grant to the attention of the board and helped guide BHA through the application process.

Comey said Parkside II provides housing to seniors and the disabled with extremely low to moderate means under the guidance of BHA.

“As we know, Branford’s median age demographic is rising rapidly, as it is across the state, but Parkside II is critical for so many of our residents,” said Comey. “This state grant funds important energy efficient appliances for many of our units and immediately improves residents’ living conditions and safety.“

Comey said she was happy to be a part of the grant procurement effort, and was thankful to the BHA as well as for the generosity of Hallock’s, together with the work of Parkside II residental management team, Beacon Communities.

Wight also thanked Beacon team members Jennifer Fioto, Resident Coordinator, Todd Florio, Parkside II Maintenance Supervisor, and Jonathan Kopylec, for identifying residents within the 40-unit complex with the greatest need for assistance from the program.

Fioto said the generosity of Hallock’s Appliances allowed for tripling the value of the $10,000 grant to deliver the 22 new appliances. Wight conveyed the board’s deepest gratitude to local business owner Gerry Vece for generously assisting with stretching the resources of the grant funding to supply the new, energy efficient appliances. The Branford business is located at 174 Cedar Street.

“You have magnified the impact of this grant. Even more, I want to thank you for this outstanding example of how a Branford business can demonstrate cooperation and compassionate support, assisting needs of our Branford residents,” said Wight.

Kate Collins, BHA treasurer, also extended her thanks to all on behalf of the board for those assisting with the $10,000 state grant.

“It is being received, with the generous help of Hallock’s Appliances, by the very deserving residents of Parkside II of Branford,” said Collins.