Provides those experiencing and at risk of homelessness with the means to get to employment, educational or training opportunities.
Prevents eligible families from entering into homelessness by paying back rent to landlords.
Provides limited assistance to renting families who are temporarily displaced due to unforeseen circumstances.**
While funds are available, eligible heads of households may apply for a security deposit the equivalent of one month’s rent. Eligible applicants must discuss budget and finances with the Coordinator and be able to demonstrate that their monthly income supports their rent and other expenses. Payments are made directly to landlords.
Supplies families moving out of shelter with the means to purchase necessary startup household items.
In 2014, the state of Connecticut created coordinated access networks, (CANs), as a regional approach to address the issue of homelessness. The state was divided into seven CANs. New Britain is a member of the Central Coordinated Access Network as are the cities of Berlin, Bristol, Plainville and Southington. The purpose of the CCAN is to better combat homelessness by strategizing collectively, working collaboratively and sharing resources and information. New Britain’s Homeless Prevention and Housing Coordinator has been the Co-Chair of the CCAN’s Executive Committee since 2016. This committee oversees the CCAN’s operations. In addition, to the Executive Committee, the CCAN has three working committees: Outreach, Youth Homeless and Matching. The Outreach Committee is comprised of outreach workers whose job is to find, engage and serve people experiencing literal homelessness. The Youth Committee addresses the needs of people 18 to 25 who face particular challenges with the goal of preventing them from becoming chronically homeless. The Matching Committee attempts to match available housing to the people in of that housing.
The Friendship Service Center (FSC) in New Britain and St. Vincent DePaul (SVDP) in Bristol provide emergency and Cold Weather shelter to people experiencing literal homelessness in the CCAN. In addition, both the FSC and SVDP operate drop-in centers that offer direct services to people experiencing homelessness. The FSC’s Hope Connection Center is at 61 Arch Street in New Britain. The SVDP Resource Center is located 19 Jacobs Street, Building 2 in Bristol.
Building Hope Together is continuing and expanding under the New Britain Recovers umbrella as envisioned by Mayor Erin Stewart. By working in partnership with the City’s Opioid Task Force and Youth Prevention initiatives, Building Hope Together will be better equipped to serve those seeking to avoid or overcome homelessness.
New Britain Recovers is a one-stop-shop of holistic community care, unifying the City's Opioid Task Force, Homelessness Plan, and Local Prevention Council under one umbrella to comprehensively address homelessness, addiction, and youth prevention.