Connecticut Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Connecticut.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 3.6 million
- Homelessness Statistics: 3,410 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: Multiple state and federal programs available
- Major Urban Centers: Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford
- Primary Challenges: Housing affordability, lacking shelter capacity, increasing unsheltered homelessness
Emergency Contact Numbers
Connecticut 211
Dial 211
Press #3 and #1 for housing emergency
National Suicide Prevention
(988)
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Connecticut Legal Services
(800) 453-3320
Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm
Local Resources
Find assistance in Connecticut based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Connecticut:
The Open Hearth
City: Hartford
Services: Emergency shelter for men, food services, job training, recovery programs
Restrictions: Men only
Phone: (860) 246-9903
Address: 60 Lawrence St., Hartford, CT 06106
Hours: 24/7
South Park Inn
City: Hartford
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, recovery programs
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men and women
Phone: (860) 249-6611
Address: 357 Main St., Hartford, CT 06106
Hours: Daily intake 4pm-8pm
New Reach
City: Bridgeport
Services: Emergency shelter, supportive housing, job training, family services
Restrictions: Intake process required
Phone: (203) 335-8386
Address: 1424 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604
Hours: Intake Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
East Hartford Community Shelter
City: East Hartford
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, family services
Restrictions: Call ahead for availability
Phone: (860) 568-0323
Address: 385 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118
Hours: 24/7
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Connecticut:
Connecticut Foodshare
Cities: Hartford & Tolland Counties
Services: Food distribution through 650+ partner agencies, mobile pantries
Requirements: None for most programs
Connecticut Food Bank
Cities: Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven and Windham Counties
Services: Food pantries, mobile pantries, nutrition education
Requirements: None for most services
Hands On Hartford
City: Hartford
Services: Daily free meals, food pantry, no questions asked
Requirements: None
Phone: (860) 502-8014
Address: 55 Bartholomew Ave., Hartford, CT 06106
Hours: Breakfast 7:30am, Lunch 11:30am (Mon-Fri)
Hartford Rescue Mission
City: Hartford
Services: Daily meals, food pantry, emergency assistance
Requirements: None for meals
Phone: (860) 548-4700
Address: 380 Garden St., Hartford, CT 06112
Hours: Breakfast 8am, Lunch 11am, Dinner 6pm (Daily)
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Connecticut:
Community Health Center, Inc.
Locations: Multiple throughout Connecticut
Services: Primary care, dental, mental health, substance abuse treatment
Requirements: Sliding scale fees available
Fair Haven Community Health Care
City: New Haven
Services: Primary care, dental, mental health, outreach services
Requirements: No insurance required
Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center
City: New Haven
Services: Healthcare for homeless specific program, primary care, mental health
Requirements: None for homeless program
Phone: (203) 503-3000
Address: 428 Columbus Ave., New Haven, CT 06519
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm
Connecticut DMHAS Mobile Crisis Services
Statewide: Connecticut
Services: Mental health crisis intervention, substance abuse emergency services
Requirements: None
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking programs and designated camping areas in Connecticut:
Safe Haven Navigation Center
City: Hartford
Services: Safe vehicle parking, case management, transitional support
Requirements: Intake process required
Phone: (860) 560-2100
Information: Contact through Community Renewal Team
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Temporary Encampment Services
City: Various CT locations
Services: Outreach to encampments, water, sanitation, transition planning
Requirements: City-specific policies
Phone: Call 211 for local resources
Information: Services vary by municipality
Hours: Regular outreach schedules
Journey Home CAN Services
Statewide: Connecticut
Services: Coordinated access network, encampment outreach, housing placement
Requirements: Must be experiencing homelessness
City of New Haven Safe Parking
City: New Haven
Services: Designated safe parking areas, basic services access
Requirements: Registration required
Phone: Contact Office of Housing & Homelessness Services
Information: Call for current availability
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities and hygiene services throughout Connecticut:
Hands On Hartford Shower Program
City: Hartford
Services: Daily showers, toiletries, laundry services, personal care items
Requirements: None
Phone: (860) 502-8014
Address: 55 Bartholomew Ave., Hartford, CT 06106
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-11:30am
The Open Hearth Day Services
City: Hartford
Services: Showers, hygiene supplies, clothing, locker services
Requirements: Men only
Phone: (860) 246-9903
Address: 60 Lawrence St., Hartford, CT 06106
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm
New Haven Day Shelter
City: New Haven
Services: Showers, toiletries, basic medical care, resource referrals
Requirements: Open to all
Phone: (203) 624-2396
Address: 350 Orange St., New Haven, CT 06511
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Bridgeport Mobile Hygiene Services
City: Bridgeport
Services: Mobile shower units, hygiene kits, laundry vouchers
Requirements: None
Phone: (203) 335-8386
Information: Check New Reach for current schedule
Hours: Varies by location
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance and advocacy services for those experiencing homelessness:
Connecticut Legal Services
Statewide: Multiple locations
Services: Housing rights, public benefits, disability advocacy, eviction prevention
Requirements: Income-based eligibility
Greater Hartford Legal Aid
City: Hartford
Services: Housing law, veterans' rights, disability benefits, family law
Requirements: Free for income-qualified clients
Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Statewide: Connecticut
Services: Housing discrimination investigations, tenant rights education
Requirements: None
Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
Statewide: Connecticut
Services: Policy advocacy, client advocacy, housing rights education
Requirements: None
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance programs and benefits available in Connecticut:
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Statewide: Connecticut
Services: SNAP, HUSKY Health, TFA (cash assistance), Connecticut Energy Assistance
Requirements: Varies by program
Connecticut SOAR Initiative
Statewide: Connecticut
Services: SSI/SSDI application assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness
Requirements: Must be experiencing homelessness or at risk
HDAP (Housing and Disability Advocacy Program)
Statewide: Connecticut
Services: Housing assistance combined with disability benefits advocacy
Requirements: Must be experiencing homelessness or at risk and likely eligible for disability benefits
Phone: Call 211 and press #3 and #1
Information: Available through county human services agencies
Hours: Varies by provider
Veterans Affairs Regional Office
City: Hartford
Services: VA benefits, homeless veterans' programs, healthcare enrollment
Requirements: Must be a veteran
Phone: (800) 827-1000
Address: 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based organizations providing assistance to those experiencing homelessness:
Hartford Rescue Mission
City: Hartford
Services: Emergency assistance, food pantry, recovery programs, chapel services
Requirements: Open to all faiths
Phone: (860) 548-4700
Address: 380 Garden St., Hartford, CT 06112
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Salvation Army Connecticut
Cities: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Emergency assistance, shelter, meals, youth programs
Requirements: None for most services
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Cities: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Emergency financial assistance, food pantries, clothing, furniture vouchers
Requirements: None
Phone: (860) 589-0702 (Bristol example)
Information: Contact local Catholic parishes for nearest location
Hours: Varies by location
Area Congregations Together (ACT)
City: Hamden
Services: Spooner House shelter, emergency assistance, support services
Requirements: None
Phone: (203) 734-1638
Address: 119 Caroline St., Hamden, CT 06418
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Connecticut Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Connecticut:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Connecticut's approach to camping ordinances varies by municipality. After the 2024 Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, cities have more leeway to enforce anti-camping laws, but many continue to exercise restraint when shelter beds are full. Each city has different ordinances and enforcement policies.
Note: The Martin v. Boise protections were overturned in 2024, but some cities maintain similar standards.
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations for living in vehicles vary significantly across Connecticut municipalities. Some cities prohibit overnight parking in residential areas or vehicle dwelling, while others have dedicated safe parking programs. Hartford and New Haven have been working on safe parking initiatives.
Note: Check with individual municipal ordinances as enforcement varies widely.
Food Sharing & Distribution
Connecticut generally allows food sharing and distribution programs. Most municipalities do not restrict charitable feeding operations, though some require permits for large-scale distribution in public spaces, particularly in park settings.
Best Practice: Contact local city officials before organizing large feeding programs.
Property Rights & Seizure
Connecticut municipalities must generally provide notice before clearing encampments and must store personal property for retrieval. Immediate disposal of belongings may violate constitutional rights. The state has guidelines for humane encampment clearing procedures.
Policy: Many cities provide 48-72 hour notice before clearing camps.
Housing Rights
Connecticut has several tenant protection laws including good cause eviction requirements in certain municipalities, rent increase limitations, and source-of-income discrimination prohibitions. The state also has specific protections for people experiencing homelessness.
State Statute: Connecticut General Statutes Title 47a covers landlord-tenant relations.
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Connecticut, the following organizations can help:
Connecticut Legal Services
Statewide organization providing free legal services in housing, benefits, civil rights, and more.
Phone: (800) 453-3320
Website: ctlegal.org
Greater Hartford Legal Aid
Provides free legal services to low-income residents in housing, family law, disability benefits, and consumer issues.
Phone: (860) 541-5000
Website: ghla.org
Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Protects housing rights and investigates discrimination complaints statewide.
Phone: (860) 247-4400
Website: ctfairhousing.org
Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
Advocates for policy change and provides resources on housing rights and homelessness issues.
Phone: (860) 721-7876
Website: cceh.org
County-Specific Information
Connecticut doesn't have traditional county governments, but services are organized by regions and major cities. Select a region to view specific information:
Hartford Region
Major Cities: Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, Manchester
Population: 1.2 million (Greater Hartford area)
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,000 people experiencing homelessness in Greater Hartford
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Hartford prohibits camping in parks and certain public areas but has established encampment management protocols.
- Vehicle Dwelling: Regulations vary by municipality. Hartford is developing safe parking initiatives.
- Panhandling: Protected as free speech, though aggressive panhandling may be restricted.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, permits may be required for large gatherings in parks.
Region Resources
Key resources specific to the Hartford region:
- Community Renewal Team: Coordinates housing and homeless services - (860) 560-5600
- Hands On Hartford: Day services, meals, showers - (860) 502-8014
- Journey Home: Coordinated Access Network lead agency - (860) 560-0545
New Haven Region
Major Cities: New Haven, Waterbury, Meriden, Middletown
Population: 863,000 (New Haven County)
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 700 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: New Haven has specific ordinances but provides outreach before enforcement.
- Vehicle Dwelling: Safe parking pilot program under development.
- Panhandling: Peaceful solicitation generally permitted.
- Food Distribution: Allowed with proper permits for organized distributions.
Region Resources
Key resources specific to the New Haven region:
- City of New Haven Office of Housing & Homelessness: Municipal homelessness coordination
- Fair Haven Community Health Care: Healthcare for homeless - (203) 777-7411
- Columbus House: Emergency and transitional housing - (203) 401-4400
Fairfield County
Major Cities: Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury
Population: 957,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 600 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Ordinances vary by municipality; Bridgeport and Stamford have outreach-first approaches.
- Vehicle Dwelling: Mixed policies across cities, some developing safe parking programs.
- Panhandling: Restrictions primarily on aggressive panhandling only.
- Food Distribution: Generally permitted with coordination with local authorities.
Region Resources
Key resources specific to Fairfield County:
- New Reach: Bridgeport's largest homeless service provider - (203) 335-8386
- Open Doors: Norwalk-based services - (203) 838-0117
- Opening Doors Fairfield County: Continuum of Care coordinator
Litchfield County
Major Cities: Waterbury, Torrington, Winsted
Population: 184,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 150 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Rural ordinances typically more relaxed but enforcement varies.
- Vehicle Dwelling: Generally less restrictive than urban areas.
- Panhandling: Minimal restrictions in most communities.
- Food Distribution: Usually permitted with minimal restrictions.
Region Resources
Key resources specific to Litchfield County:
- Network of Care: Torrington area services coordinator
- Safe Haven Emergency Shelter: Waterbury - (203) 575-0688
- Ability Beyond: Disability and housing services - (860) 482-9977
Other Regions
Includes: Tolland, Windham, Middlesex Counties
Population: 400,000 combined
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 300 people experiencing homelessness
General Characteristics
- More rural character with less concentrated homelessness
- Often rely on regional or neighboring urban area services
- Transportation to services can be more challenging
- Often more permissive regarding camping and vehicle dwelling
Region Resources
Key resources for eastern and rural Connecticut:
- Windham Regional Community Council: Housing navigation
- The Connection: Middlesex County services - (860) 343-5520
- Salvation Army locations: Multiple rural area sites
Success Stories from Connecticut
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Connecticut:
Sarah's Journey
After losing her job during the pandemic, Sarah found herself living in her car in Hartford. She connected with Hands On Hartford for daily meals and showers, then worked with Community Renewal Team's navigator to access emergency rental assistance. Within three months, she found stable employment and housing.
"The day services at Hands On Hartford gave me a safe place to be during the day, and the navigator helped me see a path forward when everything felt overwhelming."
Resources that helped: Hands On Hartford, Community Renewal Team, Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Job Training Services
Michael's Recovery
After struggling with substance use and cycling through homelessness for several years in New Haven, Michael connected with integrated services at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center. Their healthcare-for-homeless program provided medical care, substance abuse treatment, and housing navigation in one location. He now has his own apartment and works as a peer specialist.
"Having all the services in one place made such a difference. I didn't have to go all over the city for help, and everyone worked together as a team."
Resources that helped: Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, Substance Use Treatment, Housing First program, Peer Support Services
The Johnson Family's Success
When the Johnson family faced eviction in Bridgeport due to a medical crisis, they spent two months in New Reach's family shelter. Through coordinated case management, they accessed healthcare, childcare support, and employment assistance. The family now lives in stable housing, and both parents are employed.
"New Reach didn't just give us a place to stay - they helped us solve all the problems that led to us losing our home in the first place."
Resources that helped: New Reach Family Shelter, Medical Bill Assistance, Childcare Vouchers, Job Placement Services, Housing Search Assistance
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Connecticut have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Connecticut to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Connecticut Coordinated Access Network (CAN)
Type: Service Coordination
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk
Benefits: Standardized assessment, coordinated access to housing and services, case management
How to Apply: Call 211 and press #3 and #1
Connecticut SOAR Initiative
Type: Disability Benefits Assistance
Eligibility: Adults experiencing homelessness with mental illness and/or substance use disorders
Benefits: Streamlined SSI/SSDI application process, medical documentation assistance, advocacy support
How to Apply: Through DMHAS case managers or by calling (860) 418-7000
Connecticut Rental Assistance Program
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Low-income households at risk of or experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Short-term rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, housing search assistance
How to Apply: Through local Community Action Agencies or by calling 211
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Connecticut based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners