Homeless Assistance in Connecticut

Homeless Assistance in Connecticut

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Connecticut residents.

4,200+
People experiencing homelessness
180+
Assistance programs statewide
$75M+
Federal housing funds
8 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Connecticut within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Connecticut residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Connecticut. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Connecticut. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Connecticut veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Connecticut residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Connecticut. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Connecticut receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Connecticut Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Connecticut locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Connecticut community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Connecticut residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Connecticut State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Connecticut for residents experiencing homelessness.

Connecticut Coordinated Access Network (CAN)

Statewide coordinated system for assessing and placing homeless individuals in appropriate housing — the most efficient path to shelter and services in CT.

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TANF – TFA Program

Temporary Family Assistance provides cash aid to eligible Connecticut families with dependent children. Apply at any DSS regional office.

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HUSKY Health (CT Medicaid)

Connecticut’s Medicaid/CHIP program offering health coverage for low-income children, adults, pregnant women, and seniors statewide.

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Connecticut Housing Programs

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Connecticut residents.

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Connecticut Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Connecticut’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Connecticut households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Connecticut cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Hartford

Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Hartford area residents experiencing homelessness.

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New Haven

Columbus House — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the New Haven area.

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Bridgeport

Bridgewater CoC — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Bridgeport area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Connecticut.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Connecticut near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Connecticut. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Connecticut benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Connecticut has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Connecticut Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Connecticut veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Connecticut.
Apply at Connecticut’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.