Assistance programs in Bridgeport and Fairfield County Connecticut.
Everything from emergency rent or mortgage assistance to transportation programs, free food, and electric bill help is available to low or moderate income families in Fairfield County CT. A major focus is on helping with housing, transportation, and grocery bills. Find the churches, charities, and government programs to apply at for financial help with bills in your area of Fairfield County below.
There are also grants to pay security deposits as well as free clothes, cars for work, back to school supplies, and emergency heating bill help. Or locate free stuff, including for work, and get items such as clothes, vouchers to pay for gasoline or train passes. Government assistance in the Bridgeport region also offers cash aid, budgeting and debt reduction services among other programs.
Financial assistance paying bills, free food and basic needs
NEON Inc. provides assistance with numerous housing-related issues, such as rent, mortgage, and foreclosure prevention. A combination of financial help and counseling/referrals are used.
They offer and manage a Community Housing Assistance Program that will provide the grants or loans to tenants, homeowners or those who need a place to live. The funds help with rent, mortgage payments, or security deposit assistance to families and individuals who have experienced a financial hardship, such as recently becoming unemployed or if they have had their work hours cut. Call NEON at (203) 899-2420 or (203) 899-2483
Community Action Agency of Western CT provides grant money to help people in Norwalk, Stamford, Bridgeport and the county. The program will provide residents assistance for paying their rent and/or utility bills. There is also emergency lodging, such as motel vouchers or temporary transitional housing.
The funds from CAWWC can also be used to pay for outreach programs. This includes free legal services, housing search, debt counseling, and credit repair assistance are among critical support services also offered. Call CAWWC community action in Stamford CT at 203-602-8833 or (203) 327-3260. Or read more on The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut.
Another local non profit, Bridgeport based LifeBridge Community Services (formerly FSW), offers rent and housing assistance to tenants as well as mortgage relief to homeowners. They offer Rent Payment Assistance, Utility and Heating Bill Help, and other support for tenants. The goal is to help keep them in their homes or apartments, especially single mothers or dads.
The homeless can explore Security Deposit Assistance and well as get help moving or paying a lease application fee. Another major focus is on stability, so resources like Skills Certification, ESL classes, and job placement is available. The Bridgeport agency also has home delivered meals for seniors, information on grants for housing needs, foreclosure counseling, and more. The address is 475 Clinton Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605. Dial (203) 368-4291, or click LifeBridge Community Services financial assistance programs.
City of Bridgeport - Health And Social Services works with local agencies to run the Homeless Prevention and Rehousing Program. It can provide money for paying rent if someone faces an eviction. Call (203) 576-7416 or (203) 332-3023. There will also be information on homeless shelters (including for adults with kids), motel voucher programs and free basic needs including food or meals. The location of the government office is 925 Housatonic Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606.
Additional funds for paying a portion of rental expense, or willbe a part of a security deposit for a new home, is available. A number of other Bridgeport, Norwalk and other towns have churches, non-profits, and other organizations that focus on offering rent help. Get more information on Fairfield County CT rent assistance.
Alliance for Community Empowerment (previously known as ABCD) offers various resources for Fairfield County families. They are located at 1070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, Phone: (203) 366-8241.
- Family services - This program provides rental assistance and programs to help low-income families with housing. There is also a free food pantry voucher, as well as free clothing or furniture referrals. There is also help with translation / interpretation services, or access to a free notary public. Learn about state and other social service agency referrals, job training, employment career, and immigration counseling.
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) - The CEAP program is designed to help low and moderate income households pay for their primary heating bill. Grant money will pay heating costs, oil, fuel and more.
- CEAP Furnace Repair/Replacement Program - Repair or replacement of a furnace is available for CEAP eligible single family homeowner when a heating system is unsafe or inoperable. As another option, find free repairs to heating systems.
- Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP) - The Connecticut CHAP program is available for Fairfield County households is their income is higher then the Federal Poverty guidelines yet do not exceed 60% of the State Median income level. The qualifying household can receive a one time cash grant benefit payment and in the case of a deliverable fuel a crisis payment.
- Weatherization Program - Both homeowners and renters who are eligible for CEAP can receive help with free comprehensive energy conservation measures. New windows, home repairs, a furnace or HVAC system repair and other updates are offered.
- Help with heating bills from LIHEAP - Struggling and moderate income people receive the federal government aid from this program by applying for it. Grant money will be granted based on the household's income as well as the number of people who are in the family. Learn about free heating oil as well.
- Food distribution - The community action agency both has information on, and partners with various churches, food banks, and pantries. The main goal is to ensure people have food on their table every day.
Call Action for Bridgeport Community Development Inc. (ABCD) at (203) 366-8241. Or learn more on assistance from Action for Bridgeport Community Development.
Fairfield Connecticut based Operation Hope offers low income and other qualified individuals with a large number of assistance programs. Among them include the following. Dial (203) 292-5588
- Debt reduction and credit counseling.- Work with a counselor to reduce debts, lower interest payments, and get back on track. This also includes help with car loans. Call them to learn more on other programs.
- Housing assistance - Get help with rent, mortgage assistance, and learn about foreclosure prevention programs in Fairfield County and the state. Read more on Connecticut mortgage assistance programs.
Person to Person of Darien (formerly Christian Community Action) helps people of all religions and backgrounds. The agency runs a food pantry, can provide free furniture and household goods, school supplies, and will have limited emergency financial assistance. There will be money to help with utility and heating bills, rent expenses, car payment or gas and security deposits. The charity agency serves residents of New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton Connecticut, or find more information on Person to Person Community Action emergency programs.
State of Connecticut Government Programs - Social Services is a statewide agency that administers state and federal cash assistance programs. There is applications on SNAP food stamp, WIC programs, health care, and medical insurance programs for low income individuals. There is also help for families with children in the Fairfield County area.
Many of the benefits are for families living in poverty or the indigent. The state also can provide referrals to other forms of financial aid, such as SSI disability, WIC vouchers, funeral cost assistance, and more. Call your local town office to get information. Or call 1-855-626-6632.
- Fairfield County Social services and government aid - The state, city of Bridgeport, and county of Fairfield offer dozens of programs and resources to low income families, the unemployed, and disadvantaged children. Some of the more common offerings include SNAP food stamps, TANF cash assistance, and grants from general assistance. Some county residents will benefit from LIHEAP energy assistance, child care, or health care. Click more public assistance Fairfield County.
- Connecticut Social Services - Western Regional Office, Bridgeport - This agency administers state and federal government benefits. The low-income, unemployed, and families living in poverty can apply for cash assistance and free government grant programs. There are food stamp applications, SSI or short term support for individuals who are elderly or disabled. Medical insurance, including Medicaid, and other aid also offered, including Lifeline for a free Verizon cell phone from the government or other wireless device. Call (203) 551-2700.
 Northern Fairfield Community Action Agency is part of CAWWC. The non-profit covers the northern half of Fairfield County. Among services run include holiday assistance as well as free groceries from an emergency food pantry. There is also rent assistance programs including an eviction prevention program and energy bill assistance.
The non-profit also helps people make money, gain new skills and address employment needs. This includes a free tablet for a job, work clothes, and job interview tips too. Or get a free gas card to get to work or a job interview. Call (203) 744-4700, with the address of 78 Triangle St, Danbury, CT 06810.
Faith Tabernacle provides basic needs and possible financial help in the Stamford region. They are a leading church in the region and offer some of the following. They will have clothes, back to school supplies and toys for children. A Special Holiday Project is also available. While more limited, funds, such as a loan, will be offered for paying rent or other expenses. More information on Faith Tabernacle.
There are straightforward ways to increase income. Since many residents commute long distances, there are quick and simple ways to monetize that time. Or get paid in other ways. As an example, find apps on iPhone or Android for making money.
Association of Religious Communities, which is based on Main Street in Danbury CT, can offer small dollar amounts of assistance to help pay deposits to Greater Danbury and the Danbury region only. Other assistance provided includes free food and groceries, one time only utilities (heating oil, electricity shut-off prevention), ESL classes for refugees, and Anger-Management Prevention. Call (203) 792-9450, or find Association of Religious Communities emergency assistance.
Many other churches operate in the city of Bridgeport too. They will generally focus any assistance on members of the parish only or those that live around the neighborhood. Financial help, food, and other support will be arranged, and find help from Bridgeport churches.
Low income residents of the Norwalk CT region should apply for help at Housing Authority / Norwalk Opportunity Now. The main service they provide is EFPP, which is offered by counselors. The HUD agency also offers assessment, financial assistance, and mediation for low to moderate income Fairfield County residents.
The support is for those who are experiencing a non-recurring, unexpected crisis or hardship who have past due rent or mortgage payments. Heating bill assistance and information on free health care is also administered, with many clients being elderly or single moms or dads. Call 203-838-8471
Stratford Sterling House can help families meet basic needs. The agency will have referrals for financial assistance as well for those that qualify. The main programs available include, but are not limited to, the following. Contact the Resource Connection for more details on child care, free food, clothing, and holiday programs, diapers, and school supplies. Other Sterling Housing services can include employment assistance and even free meals. More on Sterling House.
Operation Fuel in Fairfield County helps with electric and gas bills. The various town offices that participate in Operation Fuel provide a cash grant to help pay bills. Funds are paid directly to your fuel vendor or to your energy provider. The program will be able to help low income households, senior citizens with no money and other eligible households in a crisis situation meet home energy expenses and keep their heat on during the winter.
Funds are first come-served. Operation Fuel is a program that provides a one time financial aid/cash grant of up to several hundred dollars to help low income qualified households in an extreme emergency situation pay their heating and energy bills. The main customer support number in Fairfield County CT is (860) 243-2345, or try a location below.
Town Of Monroe Social Services – The town maintains a private fuel bank for residents in need and that can be called on in an emergency. The address is 7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe, Connecticut 06468-1823, phone (203) 452-2813. There is also a diaper bank for new, low -income parents. Find how to get free diapers and wipes near you.
Short term and transitional housing programs are an option for residents being evicted or that will be currently homeless. Clients can get a place to stay, meals, and self-sufficiency, such as job search assistance. Also, importantly, get help in finding and paying for a new apartment or home in all too expensive Fairfield County. Click here transitional housing in Fairfield County.
Fairfield New Opportunities provides coverage to some towns in the county. Low income families can receive assistance with needs such as Weatherization, free food, and case management. Other resources can include information on the CT Prescription Assistance Program, Meals on Wheels, and details on utility bill assistance. Read more New Opportunities in Connecticut assistance programs.
Norwalk Senior Center has various programs for the elderly, retired, and seniors in Fairfield County. The non-profit runs a Housing Assistance Fund. As resources allow, this can provide local city of Norwalk resident over 60 with a no-interest loan to pay first or last months' rent, security deposits, or moving expenses.
There is also information on property tax abatements, Meals on Wheels for food delivery and recreational trips with other older people. Senior can also find free money from the government or help people apply for Medicare. The office is at 11 Allen Rd, Norwalk, CT 06851. Call (203) 847-3115.
Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging supports all of Fairfield County and has multiple offices. They administer assistance for senior citizens in the region. Get help in applying for health care (including Medicare and fee prescription medications), free meals, the Senior Employment Program, income tax filing and more. 10 Middle St, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Dial (203) 333-9288. Or read Connecticut Agency on Aging.
Town of New Canaan Human Services Department runs a private fuel bank for heating needs during the winter. In addition the town office will also accept and process applications for the CEAP, or Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Also get information on other government and public benefits. Call (203) 594-3076, or the address is 77 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840.
YMCA Jean Wallace Residence of Central Connecticut is a transitional housing resource. The program can help with job placement, education services, and more. Work on finding a permanent home in Fairfield and get information on assistance for paying first months rent and a security deposit. They will also have information on the statewide eviction prevention program or loans to pay for housing needs. Bridgeport Connecticut based. Call (203) 366-2809.
Discount Power is administered by United Way of Coastal Fairfield County and local utility companies. Assistance is mainly offered for the Bridgeport region. Customer will save money on the generation portion of their electric bill. Call (203) 929-3200.
Salvation Army has several centers in Fairfield County. Everything from free food, Christmas meals or free gifts, as well as back to school supplies are offered. There is also rent and utility bill assistance will be offered to qualified low income families. They also give out free backpacks for school, presents from Angel tree, winter clothes and other aid. Or learn about after school care or summer camp for kids.
- Norwalk Corps Community Center - Salvation Army is another main site. The non-profit provides various forms of assistance for basic needs, including free clothing, food, and money for bills when funding is available. Location is 14 Byington Place, Norwalk, CT 06850, phone number (203) 866-2125
- The Stamford CT site is 198 Selleck St, Stamford, CT 06902. This site also has a low cost thrift store and substance abuse counseling. Main phone: (203) 359-2320
Many other programs are available. Whether homeless, out of work and needing a bus ticket or gas voucher, or other help, learn more about the Fairfield County Salvation Army.
Bridgeport, Stamford and regional Catholic Charities operate across the county. Most of the resources available from this organization are focused on helping seniors, the homeless, and immigrants. However some food and financial assistance may be offered. In particular, the charity will help residents find a new home or apartment, obtain employment skills, and they offer programs for children. Learn more Catholic Charities Fairfield County.
Places that give free stuff in Fairfield County CT
Legal representation and free advice - There are services available across Fairfield County, Bridgeport, and other cities such as Stamford. Attorneys can help clients applying for public aid, namely SSI disability or housing. Also under high demand is help in stopping evictions, advice for seniors on home health care and their needs, as well as other support for civil matters. Continue with Fairfield County free legal aid.
Free stuff including non-financial aid and basic needs are offered from non-profits in Fairfield County such as clothing stores. Organizations can assist low income families with needs including birthday gifts, work clothes, baby items and back to school supplies. Some vouchers will be offered for free goods, including furniture. Programs are offered for all regions, including Bridgeport and Stamford. Continue with free clothes and school supplies in Fairfield County.
- It is possible to get free stuff within a matter of hours or days. Apps alert individuals to local giveaways, whether from a charity, business or individuals in the area. Locate apps for getting alerting to free things.
Regional free holiday assistance - Programs offered by non-profits can help with all of the main holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Free meals, food, turkeys, and Christmas toys or gifts will be passed out to qualified low income and struggling families. More on Fairfield County free holiday assistance programs.
Free foreclosure prevention in Fairfield County is available. A hotline, Dispute Settlement Center provides numerous housing programs. Among them include mediation, foreclosure prevention, and mortgage relief payments. The eviction / foreclosure prevention program offers homeowners and tenants advice. The agency is for people who are experiencing a non-recurring, unexpected, documented financial hardship or emergency. The agency serves people in Stamford, Norwalk, and Bridgeport. They also help families buy a home, and come up with a down payment, for housing in Fairfield County. Call 1-877-472-8313.
Free food, groceries and personal items are given out across the area. Centers help the low-income and those living in poverty. There are several distribution sites. There are also soup kitchens, free Christmas or Thanksgiving meals and more. Find a listing of Fairfield County free food pantries.
Free health care clinics help residents who need medical or dental services. The non-profit is made up of nurses, doctors, and physician assistants who volunteer their expertise and time. The free clinic provides everything from checkups, lab work, monitoring chronic diseases, referrals for x-rays, even prescription drugs. Some dental is offered too, including details on free dental implants from a clinical trial. It serves uninsured and underinsured low-income patients who live in the Connecticut area. The location is 76 West St, Danbury, CT 06810, or dial (203) 748-6188.
- This is just on of the health care centers in Fairfield Connecticut. Several dozen other clinics and facilities operate in the region. Find information and phone numbers on more Fairfield County free community clinics.
Health and medical care is very costly. Many families struggle and go into debt. Non-profits in Fairfield County can help patients pay any medical or hospital bills or get the care (including prescription drugs) they need for a condition. Read more on financial help for medical bills.
- Other support is arranged too for people in debt with medical costs. Find additional information on health care clinics.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
