How to access homeless services in Connecticut

If you are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness, support is available through 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s seven Coordinated Access Networks (CAN). 

These regional networks of community providers work together to help individuals and families safely resolve their housing crisis. 

On this page, you’ll find:
How the 2-1-1 process works
CAN appointments
How 2-1-1 and CAN work together
Alternatives to entering shelter
Key Connecticut policies
Help for households fleeing domestic violence, veterans, and unaccompanied minors

How the process works
Start by calling 2-1-1.
Choose option 3 to speak with a trained specialist
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or use TTY, call 1-800-671-0737.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 4 p.m. EST.
From there, the specialist will ask questions to better understand your situation and try to identify options and resources that may help you avoid entering shelter. 

CAN appointments
If additional help is needed, eligible households will be offered a CAN appointment in a community of their choice. 
During the CAN appointment, staff will again explore diversion options and other available resources.
They will ask about housing history, safety, income, support systems, and other housing-related topics. The purpose of the CAN assessment is to identify an individual or family’s needs to resolve their housing crisis. 
If safe alternatives cannot be found, you may be placed on a shelter waiting list if space is not immediately available. 
Housing resources are prioritized for those who meet the federal definition of literal homelessness. They must have a high level of need, including multiple barriers to securing housing on their own. 

What’s coordinated access? How 2-1-1 and CAN work together
Together, CAN and 2-1-1 form a streamlined, statewide homeless response system. The system is accessible and uses standardized assessments to understand each household’s strengths and needs. It connects them to the most appropriate options or resources for their situation. This coordinated access process helps ensure a fair, consistent, and collaborative approach for those seeking assistance. 

Diversion first: Alternatives to entering shelter 
A key part of this process is exploring safe, creative, and immediate alternatives to entering shelter. Staff will work with you to identify possible solutions to resolve your housing crisis by focusing on your existing support network and any resources you already have.  This may include:
Addressing minor barriers to returning to previous housing
Reconnecting with family or friends when appropriate
Or linking you to additional community resources
 
Many households are able to resolve their housing crisis through these conversations and alternate arrangements, helping them avoid the stress and disruption of entering shelter. If a safe alternative isn’t identified, you will be supported through the next steps of the CAN process.  
 
Important State policies
Connecticut is not a “right to shelter” state, meaning emergency shelter beds are not guaranteed. 
Attending a CAN appointment does not guarantee housing placement. 
In addition to 2-1-1, street outreach specialists work across the state, connecting individuals and families experiencing un-sheltered homelessness to the CAN system and available services as they encounter them. 
 
Specialized populations
Certain populations may also access specialized housing assistance and support services: 
Households fleeing domestic violence: Contact Safe Connect (1-888-774-2900), a confidential, 24/7 resource that provides safety planning, crisis support, and connections to appropriate resources and services across Connecticut. 
Veterans: Contact the VA National Homeless Crisis Line (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 support, or reach the VA Connecticut: Community Resource and Referral Center (203-932-5711 x41361) or the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (CT DVA) District Offices ( DVA District Offices by Town (PDF)) for assistance with their housing crisis and other veteran-specific services. 
Unaccompanied minors and those assisting them: Contact the nearest Runaway & Homeless Youth (RHY) provider 24/7. RHY providers are trained to provide crucial support and services to minors without judgment.  There are currently two federally-funded RHY Basic Center Programs in CT that provide services and crisis beds for unaccompanied homeless minors:   
Kids in Crisis (Cos Cob; 24/7 hotline, homeless prevention & crisis intervention services, crisis beds): 203-661-1911 
BAP (Bridgeport; 24/7 hotline, homeless prevention & crisis intervention services, crisis beds for males): 475-400-0868 
Unaccompanied minors can also contact the National Runaway Safeline (1-800-RUNAWAY / 1-800-786-2929) for confidential help.  If abuse, neglect, abandonment or trafficking is suspected, contact the DCF Careline 1-800-842-2288. 
 

More resources:
2-1-1 serves as the front door to the State of Connecticut’s Coordinated Access Networks (CAN). Visit the 2-1-1 website to find emergency food, housing, and shelter in your area.
Visit our Homeless Support page from the Department of Housing (DOH). (link back to webpage)
If you are facing domestic violence, visit the Safe Connect website.