GUILFORD, CT — Visitors to Charlie’s Closet in Guilford should feel a little more comfortable these days thanks to some new construction that was made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers at Charlie’s Closet, the medical equipment clearinghouse whose mission is to make medical equipment available to anyone who needs it, used the breezeway that connects the barn to the house at 310 State St., as a workspace and reception area.
Even though the breezeway had a roof and front and back lattice work, volunteers and guests were still exposed to the elements and unpleasant conditions, especially in the winter.
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“I had closed it in with some plexiglass during the winter months, but it still wasn’t really warm in there,” said Charlie’s Closet Director Tony Sicignano.
Sicignano had the idea to use ARPA funds for a project to enhance the facility, so he applied for the money and got the OK from the Guilford Interfaith Volunteers Board to proceed.
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The Guilford Foundation and community representatives reviewed allocation requests. Of the ARPA funds Guilford Interfaith Volunteers received for its services, $20,000 went to Charlie’s Closet for the breezeway project.
“We were able to create a nice workspace that’s heated, and so our volunteers are now comfortable inside there. We have guests who come in and pick up equipment and they’re comfortable when they come inside,” Sicignano said.
“It makes a huge difference. We’ve gotten compliments from just about every person that comes in. They all walk in and say the same thing, ‘Oh, this is so nice. It’s beautiful. It’s such nice craftsmanship that was utilized.’ They like all the materials we used, and the volunteers just love the fact they can sit comfortably inside,” Sicignano said.
There was already electricity available, and new double pane windows and doors were added. Sicignano noted that the breezeway was enclosed using the same materials as the barn to create a seamless transition.
“The day in and day out working conditions for the volunteers, which basically are the drivers of the organization, are so incredible and we’re just so grateful,” added Christi Burton, the executive director for Guilford Interfaith Volunteers.
Burton said she was grateful for all the ARPA money the organization received. Guilford Interfaith Volunteers is the umbrella for Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting and Charlie’s Closet, and it co-directs the Food Bank with Guilford Social Services.
The whole project took about three weeks to complete. The structure still needs to be painted and stained.
“It was a nice opportunity for us to use the funds and we appreciate the town making those funds available and [we are thankful] to the Guilford Foundation and their committee that selected us as one of the recipients of the ARPA funds,” Sicignano said.
For more information on Charlie’s Closet and how to donate or pick up medical equipment, click here.
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