Liberty Community Services housing assistance programs.
Working to prevent evictions, and also resettle the homeless in New Haven County, the non-profit known as Liberty Community Services runs day programs, shelters, and even financial aid from the Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention - EFPP service. Funding comes from both private and public sources. They operate across the city as well as county of New Haven.
New Haven County Drop in Center from Liberty
Liberty Safe Haven offers a Day Program to homeless, struggling individuals in the community. This will allow clients to access supportive resources and also have a safe haven during the day. This program is also available to homeless individuals who live with a mental or chronic illness or substance abuse and addiction.
The drop in center that is part of the Day Program fills a critical need for these vulnerable people in the region. Services provided include access/referrals to community resources, counseling, aid with finding sustainable employment, shower/bath facilities, laundry room access and transportation for medical appointments to local New Haven spots. There is also a community room available to clients, and they will have access to free meals, showers and coffee. Call 203-495-1770 for information or referrals.
Rent, security deposit, and emergency financial help
Through funding from private and government sources, Liberty Community Services works to prevent evictions and end homelessness for low income and working poor. By providing emergency financial assistance or loans to be used in the form of paying rent and/or security deposits, many individuals living in New Haven will remove the threat of eviction or impending homelessness in their lives.
This resource is available to eligible clients including individuals and families that meet income guidelines. There are certain other requirements that need to be met prior to receiving aid. The Prevention voice mail phone number is 203-495-1750, and all funding is limited. Or find more information on loans for paying back rent.
The Security Deposit Guarantee (SDGP) as well as Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program are provided funding from the Connecticut Department of Housing, formally known as DSS. There are certain eligibility requirements for residents in order to receive services from the programs.
These include people need to be a resident of one of the following towns of East Haven, Hamden, Branford, New Haven, North Haven, and West Haven. Individuals or families must also be open to mediation with their landlords or mortgage holders in an attempt to resolve conflicts over late rent and mortgage payments. Both parties need to make an effort.
Further requirements also include a rent/mortgage less than or equal to 60% of the gross monthly family income of the applicant, having a gross monthly family income less than 60% of the state median income, and families must have already received a Notice to Quit or eviction letter.
In addition, families and either their landlords or mortgage holders must agree to the common goal of allowing families to remain in their home for at least 12 months and provide documentation verifying non-reoccurring hardship. This mediation service is free to qualifying clients and is confidential and voluntary. Along with mediation and guidance from Liberty Community Services, other services including assessment and access to Rent Bank Resources are entirely contingent on available funding at the time of service.
Employment and self-sufficiency from Liberty Community Services
Liberty Community Services works with individuals and families on self-sufficiency. This will include advice on finding sustainable employment, furthering their education (whether GEDs or in college) and volunteering in the community in order to end poverty and homelessness.
As part of this, Employment Services are offered to all clients of Liberty Community Services. Referrals are also provided to eligible individuals by case managers, program directors, and facilitators at the center. Available services, access and referrals may include the One-Stop Center - CTWorks, niche employment services such as EMERGE or STRIVE and more. There are also resources available for side gigs and non-traditional forms of employment, even including things such as turning surplus goods into cash, even including “trash”.
A job training and transitional employment program is provided by Liberty Community Services for qualified participants as well. The main focus is to remove or lessen the barriers struggling, homeless individuals face by offering guidance to them and having them work for pay in a supervised as well supportive environment in New Haven. Liberty Community services has information on side gigs, part and full time jobs.
While each person is different, barriers some of the participants face include past criminal records, lack of job skills, no references, inconsistent job history, mental illness or addiction issues. Examples of some of the work offered includes maintaining plants, volunteering at charities, graffiti removal and working with fellow visitors on an as needed basis. In turn, the hope is this work will translate into employable skills.
Apply for assistance from Liberty Community Services
The main location of Liberty Community Services is at 153 East St Ste 100, New Haven, CT 06511. Call 203-495-7600 for intake.
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