W.H.E.A.T. Inc.

The West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce was founded in 1975 by the West Haven Clergy Association as a central place where West Haven residents in crisis could go for food, instead of going from congregation to congregation. The Clergy Association established WHEAT as a charity whose foundation is not based on just feeding people, but on the belief in social justice 0 that everyone has a right to food, shelter, clothing and a living wage. Throughout our 35 years we have grown from a small pantry in the basement of the West Haven Community House to our current 30,000 sq. foot location on Washington Avenue, expanding to provide emergency services and referrals to other places to get food, free legal services, housing, clothing, furniture, etc. In 2008 we offered permanent space for the Hospital of St. Raphael's "Project Mothercare" - a medical clinic for women and children. In 2009 we added a food stamp sign up center to make it easier for people to have access to this program. The Center is staffed by a representative from the Connecticut Association of Human Services. In 1975 perhaps 200 West Haven residents a year were helped; today we provide help to over 3,500 of our neighbors in need. WHEAT is a volunteer agency with one staff person, the executive director. It is only through their hard work and the generosity of our community that allows WHEAT to exist. The faithfulness of your support has kept our doors open even as the number of people who need us continues to grow each year. WHEAT depends on food and monetary donations, including grants from various foundations. 80% of our food comes from the Connecticut Food Bank; the rest comes from food drives held in West Haven and neighboring towns.