Connecticut eviction prevention programs and help for homeless.
There are several housing and rental assistance programs in Connecticut. The objective of many of them is to prevent either an eviction or a foreclosure on a home. Using a combination of federal government resources, such as the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and private donations, the non-profit’s that administer these programs help as many people as possible.
The specific resources available in each town and county will vary. No two programs are like, and all financial resources are limited. However, when possible, low income families facing an eviction may qualify for emergency, one time rental assistance. Some of the resources are coordinated by the Social Services Department, and they may provide help from a program known as the Rent Bank.
Also, anyone that is currently homeless may qualify for help from Housing First or grants to pay the security deposit on a new, low income apartment. Usually, all participants will need to participate in case management programs, such as budgeting, job search, and credit repair. Referrals are generally offered as well.
Many community action agencies in Connecticut offer the Eviction Prevention - Foreclosure Prevention Program, or EFPP. This is often funded by both the federal government and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. There are many components to this, both monetary and more case management services.
The tenant may be able to benefit from mediation. What will happen is this is arranged so that the landlord and tenant meet face to face to discuss alternatives and any possible solutions. Many lawyers coordinate this service as it incorporates legal tactics. Participants will access counseling, learn about their rights and responsibilities, and attend workshops. There may be negotiated agreements that result from this session as part of this free legal aid approach to stopping homelessness.
While much more limited, that may be financial aid for paying back rent as part of EFPP, if eviction is imminent. The client will normally need to be well on the way to self-sufficiency in order to receive help. Much of this aid is available as the result of the federal government Emergency Solutions Grant. Note applications in Connecticut will take time to process, but the funds can be used to prevent an eviction in a crisis. Find how to get emergency money to pay rent.
The homeless in Connecticut, or people who need more affordable housing, can get help from Housing First, or HFF. Another resource is the Security Deposit Guarantee Program. Both of these are presented as a form of rapid rehousing that are organized by the state and local non-profit agencies.
For those that qualify, there is assistance for relocation and locating permanent housing. Grants may be issued to help pay rent or maybe a utility connection fee. In some cases, security deposit assistance is available as well. As a part of rehousing, case managers will work with the client and provide guidance and self-sufficiency support.
Other services include permanent supportive and public housing, cash or financial assistance or help in applying for government entitlements, such as rental subsidized apartments. Staff will help clients in locating affordable housing units for families and they will also develop relationships with nearby landlords. Follow up case management is offered too.
Since resources, in particular financial support is so limited and in high demand, a community action agency may refer an applicant to other options. Or in some cases an applicant will be provided with shorter term loans for their housing or rental expenses. Other referrals may be to organizations such as Catholic Charities, local county social service offices, or churches. Some of these other groups may have limited funding for those facing eviction.
As noted, homeowners can also benefit from these homeless prevention programs as well. Housing counselors from various agencies will partner with clients to find a solution to a mortgage delinquency. They may offer mediation services with the homeowner’s lender, refer clients to free legal aid, or try to find some form of home loan modification that works for both the homeowner and the bank.
Many community action agencies also work with regional homeless shelters, domestic violence centers or other charity organizations in Connecticut that interact with families to identify households in need of services. They may arrange for short term, transitional housing and other support services. So all these different groups combine resources to help those that are less fortunate. Not many of these are income based units, so families that were evicted in the past need to have a source of funds. Find locations of transitional housing in Connecticut and other states.
Information about eviction and homeless programs in Connecticut
Referrals and more information may be provided by these agencies. The details and specific housing programs will vary by town and region.
Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Woodbridge, dial (203) 736-5420
Avon, Bloomfield, Branford, Canton, Chester, Clinton, Cromwell. Deep River, Durham, East Granoy, East Haddam, East Hampton, East Hartford, Enfield, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Killingworth, Manchester, Marlborough, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Suffield, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks. Call (860) 560-5639.
Barkhamstead, Berlin, Bethlehem, Cheshire, Colebrook, Goshen, Hartland, Harwinton, Litchfield, Meriden, Middlebury, Morns, Naugatuck, New Hartford, Prospect, Southbury, Thomaston, Torrington, Wallingford, Waterbury, Watertown, Winchester, Wolcott, Woodbury, Meriden, Berlin, Worthington, Wallingford, dial (203) 575-9799
Towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, Trumbull, dial (203) 366-8241 for information on the Connecticut Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and other housing resources. Assistance is available across all of the county. If a tenant needs to apply for a grant to stop the eviction or even legal aid, then assistance is available. More on Fairfield County.
Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, Plainville, Plymouth, (860) 584-2725
Darien, Greenwich, or Stamford, dial (203) 352-4844
New Haven region, including Hamden, North Haven, and nearby towns. Telephone - (203) 387-7700
Fairfield, Danbury, Litchfield, dial (203) 744-4700. Find more details on the homeless prevention services in New Haven County.
Hartford, New Britain. The main phone number for case management, grants or guarantees on security deposits and other aid is (860) 225-8601. While most of the support is short term help for paying rent to stop the eviction, there may also be motel vouchers, information on housing, and more. Continue with Hartford County.
New London, Tolland, Windham, phone - (860) 450-7452 or dial 860) 425-6503
Norwalk, New Canaan, Weston, Westport, Wilton, phone (203) 899-2420
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