Help in Connecticut
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 20 places in Connecticut, most of them in Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven, plus 11 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (10) and after prison or jail (9).
CT Safe Connect
Statewide line for anyone impacted by domestic violence in Connecticut. Advocates answer by call, text, or chat around the clock and connect callers to the local member program for shelter, safety planning, and court help.
2-1-1 Connecticut
Connecticut's information and referral line for food, housing, utility help, mental health, substance use, and crisis intervention. It is also the front door for shelter referrals statewide; dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
Interval House
Domestic violence agency for 24 towns in Greater Hartford with a 24-hour hotline in English and Spanish, an emergency safe house, safety planning, counseling, criminal and civil court advocacy, children's programming, and support groups. All services are free.
The Center for Family Justice
Bridgeport-area center for people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse, serving Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. Offers 24/7 crisis lines, bilingual counseling, legal advocacy, youth services, emergency shelter, and weekday walk-in help.
Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut
Free civil legal aid hotline for very low-income Connecticut residents with family, public benefits, housing, and unemployment problems. Criminal and immigration cases are not handled. People facing eviction or loss of a housing subsidy have a separate line.
Non-Driver ID Card
State photo ID for people who do not drive. The card costs $28 and is free for anyone who is unhoused or living in a shelter, with proof of residency from the shelter or a signed certification on Form B-230. New cards are issued only by appointment at a DMV office and arrive by mail within 20 business days.
ConneCT – Apply for SNAP and Other Benefits
Connecticut's online portal for SNAP food benefits, HUSKY Medicaid, and cash assistance. Applications can also be mailed or filed in person at a DSS office. Decisions take up to 30 days, or 7 days for households with very little income or cash on hand.
National lines that work in Connecticut
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.