211 Connecticut
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Connecticut. You can also call 800 203 1234.
Official page: 211ct.org
Find Help Near You in Connecticut
Private help lines for Connecticut, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Connecticut who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local community action agency. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Hartford, the Hartford Department of Health and Human Services at 860 757 4700 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: 211ct.org, hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/HHS
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. The Connecticut Judicial Branch self help pages point residents to legal aid across Connecticut, such as Statewide Legal Services at 800 453 3320 or Greater Hartford Legal Aid at 860 541 5000.
Official page: jud.ct.gov, slsct.org, ghla.org/contact-us
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: portal.ct.gov/dss/economic-security/winter-heating-assistance/energy-assistance---winter-heating
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask 211 about your local Coordinated Access Network (CAN). It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: portal.ct.gov/chro/about-us/contact-offices
What does CHFA offer renters?
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) shares housing resources across Connecticut, with tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Official page: chfa.org
How do I find my local social services office?
Dial 211, or use the 211 Connecticut website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Connecticut
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Department of Social Services (DSS)
DSS offices serve every region of Connecticut, with SNAP food help and other benefits. Call the DSS client phone line for help with your case.
Official page: portal.ct.gov/dss/common-elements/dss-client-information-line-and-benefits-center
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Help paying winter heating bills for households who qualify, through local community action agencies. Dial 211 to find your local intake site.
Official page: portal.ct.gov/dss/economic-security/winter-heating-assistance/energy-assistance---winter-heating
Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut
Civil legal help across Connecticut for people who qualify, with problems like housing, family and benefits.
Official page: slsct.org
Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints.
Official page: portal.ct.gov/chro/about-us/contact-offices
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
Information for renters and homeowners in Connecticut, including affordable rental homes and homebuyer programs.
Official page: chfa.org
Connecticut Association for Community Action
Local community action agencies across Connecticut help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start. Find your local agency on the website.
Official page: cafca.org
Housing Authority of the City of Hartford
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Hartford.
Official page: hartfordhousing.org
Hartford Department of Health and Human Services
City programs for Hartford residents, including health outreach and community support.
Official page: hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/HHS
Greater Hartford Legal Aid
Civil legal help for people who qualify in the Hartford area, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: ghla.org/contact-us
New Haven Community Services Administration
City office linking residents to community services, housing help and basic needs.
Official page: newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/community-services-administration
New Haven Legal Assistance Association
Civil legal help for people who qualify in New Haven and nearby towns.
Official page: nhlegal.org/contact-us
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Bridgeport
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Waterbury. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local community action agency and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact Statewide Legal Services if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Connecticut
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop