Resources

The CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) Latino Outreach Program provides regional community outreach services designed to reduce the stigma that surrounds substance use in the Latino community. Latino Outreach workers provide informational sessions and training in traditional settings such as social service agencies as well as non-traditional settings within the Latino community to raise awareness on overdose prevention and substance use programs.

SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) is a program through SAMHSA designed to help individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness—and who also have serious mental illness, medical impairments, or co-occurring substance use disorders—gain access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It accomplishes this by training case managers, offering technical assistance, and facilitating inter-agency coordination to improve application approval rates and speed.

This resource explains trauma-informed care as a way for organizations to understand and respond to the effects of trauma. It focuses on creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel respected and empowered. Key ideas include safety, trust, and avoiding further harm. It also gives tips for making programs more trauma-aware through staff training and supportive policies.

The HUD Exchange page on "Centering Lived Experience" focuses on the importance of including individuals who have experienced homelessness in the planning and decision-making processes of Continuum of Care (CoC) programs. It promotes meaningful engagement by ensuring that their voices are heard, respected, and influence real change. The page highlights practices such as compensation, leadership development, and creating inclusive spaces to prevent tokenism and strengthen system effectiveness. 

The Conflict Resolution Network (CRN) website is dedicated to teaching practical, easy-to-understand skills for resolving conflicts in everyday life. These skills apply across a range of settings, including families, workplaces, communities, and even international contexts. CRN promotes a collaborative, win/win approach and provides tools like empathy, assertiveness, and conflict mapping to help people manage and resolve disputes effectively.

This resource introduces Motivational Interviewing as a practical, client-centered approach to helping people experiencing homelessness make positive changes in their lives. It provides training tools and techniques for service providers to engage clients through empathy, active listening, and goal-focused conversations.

This page explains how to apply for various benefits and services through the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). Applicants can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The page also highlights options for assistance to individuals with disabilities to help access programs like health coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) offers a variety of training sessions focused on supporting survivors through crisis intervention, mental health awareness, legal advocacy, and safety planning. Their trainings also address important topics like pet advocacy and community education to strengthen overall responses to domestic violence.

The Emergency Shelter Learning Series provides guidance and tools to help shelters become more effective and accessible. Focused on a Housing First approach, it offers webinars and resources to improve shelter practices and better support people in crisis.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness provides toolkits and training materials on Permanent Supportive Housing, a proven solution that combines affordable housing with voluntary support services to help people with chronic homelessness achieve stability and independence. It offers guidance on best practices, implementation, and service coordination.