Press Release
Connecticut Department of Housing | Office of Communications
Primary Contact: Meghan Bard| meghan.bard@ct.gov
For release: December 19, 2023
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR HOMELESS SERVICES
The Connecticut Department of Housing is announcing the release of $45.8 million in funding to various programs that assist those in need of emergency shelter and services. This is in addition to the previously announced $5 million for cold weather shelters. Specific locations for cold weather shelters are determined by municipalities and nonprofit providers, with DOH providing funding for operations.
DOH is allocating funding to programs including:
$6.4 million for the state’s newly created regional hubs. These successful access points to homeless services, including walk-in referrals are strategically located throughout the state within each of its regional Coordinated Access Networks. These 12 hubs provide intake services and diversion services, which ultimately can be used to prevent individuals and families from entering homelessness.
Regional HUBS are located in:
Bridgeport New Britain
Norwalk Hartford
Stamford Meriden
Danbury New Haven
Waterbury New London
Torrington Willimantic
$3.2 million dollars in funding for shelter diversion. This is a flexible source of funds that assists a person who is in imminent danger of becoming homeless.
$3 million in funding to support the operations of the Coordinated Access Network (CAN).
$16.9 million in emergency shelter operational funding.
$5 million for security deposits. This eliminates the barrier of saving for a security deposit to allow someone to move from shelter to an apartment.
$10.3 million for Rapid Rehousing Services, which is targeted financial assistance and short-term services to quickly return an individual or family back into housing and stability.
$976,000 for Permanent Supportive Housing a program that provides ongoing support for high barrier individuals to live independently in the community.
This year, the Department held feedback sessions with the Coordinated Access Network. During these open discussions, it became clear from the providers that the hubs were a successful model for addressing homelessness. DOH appreciates the observations from the providers and responded by increasing funding to these programs, as well as adding two new hubs in Manchester and Middletown.
The Commissioner of Housing is committed to these newly created hubs. “We know that access to resources is necessary to move people from homelessness to housing. I am pleased that we are expanding the hubs by opening two new locations in Manchester and Middletown. Working with our partner, DMHAS, this will provide additional resources to our community,” said Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno.
“The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and DOH have been longstanding partners in the provision of resources and services for individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis. Many times, individuals are experiencing mental health or addiction crises at the same time. By ensuring access to same day Coordinated Access Network appointments and assessments, we can help provide people with a chance to find a safe place to stay and can prevent their situation from escalating further,” said DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “People with mental health needs and substance use disorders are especially vulnerable members of our communities and, by adequately staffing walk-in HUBs, individuals and families in need of housing can access critical same day support.”
“I believe in a holistic approach to housing. In addition to the resources announced today, DOH is committed to building 6,400 units of affordable housing in the next three years. Permanent housing is the solution to homelessness,” said Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno.