Housing and Homeless Services

Housing and Homeless Services Unit

CALL 211 INFO LINE and press #3 and #1 if you are homeless or in a housing emergency. The state and federal government have taken a number of steps to help protect homeowners and renters impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Follow this link for information: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Homeowners and Renters


Geller Commons	New Reach

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Housing and Homeless Services can be accessed through Coordinated Access Networks (CAN), which consist of community providers across the state who work with DMHAS eligible heads of households and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Persons are prioritized for housing services based on an assessment to be completed after calling 2-1-1. Calling 2-1-1 and/or completing the assessment does not guarantee housing.

Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut.
If you are hearing impaired use the TTY number: 1-800-671-0737.
If you are outside of Connecticut or have difficulties using the 2-1-1 number, dial 1-800-203-1234.

To begin this process, persons experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness must call 2-1-1 and dial #3 and #1 to speak to a contact specialist trained to assess housing needs.

If a 2-1-1 contact specialist is unable to identify resources, the person will be offered a CAN assessment appointment in the community of his/her choice.

If assessed and prioritized with a high need for housing, the CAN community providers will include the household on the prioritized waiting list for housing.

Housing resources available through the CAN are prioritized for individuals and families who meet the literal homeless definition of the federal government’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Coordinated Access Networks (CAN) Map

CAN Brochures

A potential housing resource may include any of the following DMHAS programs:

CT Collaborative on Re-Entry
Social Innovation Fund
HUD 811 Program
HUD Continuum of Care Rental Assistance
Permanent Supportive Housing Services

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)

Federally funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), PATH programs provide outreach and engagement into services to persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have serious mental health needs or who have mental health needs with a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Trainings – Connecticut Balance of State

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)

Connecticut’s SOAR Initiative is led by the State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). SOAR is a model used to complete the SSI/SSDI application to assist clients in gaining access to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SOAR model is used for eligible adults who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of experiencing homelessness and have a mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Visit the SOARWorks website for more information on program eligibility and to see if there is a trained SOAR case manager in your area.