Emergency Housing Program

A Partnership Between The City of New Haven and Continuum of Care for the Sake of our Community.

We are facing a homelessness crisis in our community –
a crisis that affects people from all walks of life.
They are not just statistics; they are people with unique stories, dreams, and struggles.

There are more than 500 homeless individuals in New Haven on any given day. Continuum’s Emergency Housing Program is a beacon of hope for desperate homeless individuals in our community. Continuum provides food, a warm and safe place to sleep, and a range of support services to help individuals get back on their feet and finally begin to rebuild their lives. The program serves 100 individuals daily, and more than 300 individuals annually. Some will stay for a few days, while most will stay for a couple of months, as they go through a process of finding housing, treatment if needed, and other services they need to move forward, such as a job or social security benefits.

The Program is:

• Specifically designed for homeless adults, including families and singles
• In response to the growing and dire numbers of homeless individuals in the City.   
• Operated by a uniquely full complement of skilled staff who have extensive training in trauma-informed care, verbal de-escalation, and other evidence-based methods that enable them to work effectively with at-risk individuals with special needs.  A nurse, clinical care, and direct care staff are also part of the staffing team. 

The type of services provided, combined with the skilled staff and the length of stay, make this Emergency Housing program the only one of its kind in the State of Connecticut. It is truly transformational. They come to us with nothing and need so much. Initially, their needs are basic—food, shelter, a bed, a warm shower, laundry, and clothing. From there, the assessment begins, as we determine their state of physical and medical health, mental health, financial situation, social connections, and more. Then we help them go to work on meeting those needs. 

The critical focus for each client is on helping to find appropriate housing to meet their needs. Continuum has direct access to housing options with services for individuals with complex needs. Individuals experiencing acute issues will be identified at entry and transported to a more appropriate level of care. Experience indicates that triage, proper assessment, and resources lead to greater long-term success for people with complex needs. Continuum’s various on-site and in-house services, including but not limited to behavioral health, will ensure individuals are connected to resources that help them eventually find their way to permanent housing.

Key Components:

• Supervisory staff on all shifts
• Staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Extensive training in trauma informed care, verbal de-escalation, and other evidence-based methods that equip staff to work with diverse population with various needs
• On site clinical staff for assessment, therapy & de-escalation
• Housing coordinator
• Peers with former homeless experience
• Access to nursing

The Emergency Housing Program is located at 270 Foxon Boulevard, New Haven
PHONE: 475.255.2563