Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Outreach Center

The WHHA owns and leases to the town, a single family house at 105 HilIcrest Avenue for a neighborhood-based program focusing on students and their parents. The program is called the Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Outreach Center (HANOC). Many of the families living in the area also participate in the Section 8 housing assistance program.

HANOC has become a vital community center with collaborating support services provided by the West Hartford Department of Social Services, the Board of Education, Hopeworks, Westminster Church and the Bridge Family Center.

Programs included are:

• After School Homework Program, which now attracts 66 students in grades K-8.
• Parent Group which provides parents an opportunity to set goals, share concerns and provide mutual support around such issues as transportation, child care, school matters, employment, parenting and safety issues.
• Middle-school aged students meet weekly for social skills development. The West Hartford Board of Education Post Graduate Special Needs program uses the facility twice a week for their program.

Ongoing intensive case management services have been provided to over 40 families. On-site Social Workers provide assessment, information, referrals, and assistance on issues related to food, clothing, childcare, finances, transportation, job training, career counseling, mental health and substance abuse.