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
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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
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.
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR)
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is a national program designed to increase access to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for eligible adults and children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder. Visit the SOARWorks website for more information on program eligibility.
Policies and Forms
- Connecticut Supportive Housing Assessment
- CT DMHAS Continuity of Care Rental Assistance Operations Guide
Publications
- Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness
- Opening Doors Connecticut:A Framework for Ending Homelessness
Quality Improvement
Links to organizations dedicated to ending homelessness and increasing housing opportunities
State and Federal Government:
Connecticut Department of Housing
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Connecticut General Assembly Housing Committee
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
Connecticut-Based Agencies:
Connecticut Balance of State Continuum of Care
Opening Doors Fairfield County Continuum of Care
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
Partnership for Strong Communities
National Agencies:
CSH – The Source for Housing Solutions
National Alliance to End Homelessness
Additional Links:
CT Housing Engagement and Support Services (CHESS)
Supportive Housing Training Catalog Spring 2022
System-Wide Analytics and Projection (SWAP)
Contact Information
Alice Minervino, Program Manager, alice.minervino@ct.gov, (860) 418-6942
Brenda Earle, Program Manager, brenda.earle@ct.gov, (860) 418-6845
Lisa Callahan, Health Program Associate, lisa.callahan@ct.gov, (860) 418-6629
Nichelle Jefferson, Consumer Information Representative, nichelle.jefferson@ct.gov, (860) 418-6907