Falling behind on rent is stressful, but acting early gives you the most options. New Haven-area programs offer emergency rental assistance, help with back rent, and security-deposit support, and legal-aid offices can step in if you have received an eviction notice.
The resources below are the verified rent-help and emergency-cash options in our New Haven directory. If you have a court date or an eviction notice, do not wait, reach out to legal aid right away.
Who can get help
Rental-assistance programs usually look at income and the reason you fell behind (a job loss, a medical bill, a missed paycheck). Having an eviction notice or a shut-off notice often moves you up the priority list. You do not need perfect paperwork to start; call and ask what they need.
Rent help and emergency assistance in New Haven
Beulah Heights Social Integration Program
Beulah Heights Church
Comprehensive services for homeless individuals and those returning from incarceration. Warming center, meals, resource center, and van transportation.
CAANH Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Community Action Agency of New Haven
Free IRS-certified basic federal and state tax preparation for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families during tax season.
Christian Community Action
CCA
Faith-based nonprofit since 1967 providing food pantry, housing assistance, and case management. NEW HOPE housing program offers furnished apartments for up to 36 months.
Columbus House Emergency Shelter
Columbus House
Emergency shelter and housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Provides meals, case management, and connections to permanent housing.
Columbus House Shelter Clinic
Columbus House
On-site health clinic at Columbus House shelter providing medical care for homeless individuals.
Community Action Agency of New Haven - Emergency Assistance
CAANH
Emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and utility bills for income-eligible residents.
Continuum of Care - Crisis Services
Continuum of Care Inc
Crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults with mental illness. Provides 24-hour crisis assessment, emergency housing, and community support programs in the greater New Haven area.
Continuum of Care Emergency Housing
Continuum of Care Inc
Emergency housing serving 100+ homeless individuals daily. Provides food, shelter, and support services.
CSHHC Recovery & Wellness Center (formerly Grant Street Partnership)
Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center
Substance abuse treatment for men and women. Temporary housing for homeless men in treatment. Meals and transportation provided.
CT Department of Social Services - New Haven
State of Connecticut DSS
State office administering HUSKY Health (Medicaid), SNAP, TANF cash assistance, state supplement for aged/blind/disabled, and other benefit programs. Apply online through ConneCT portal.
Domestic Violence Hotline - Umbrella Center (BHcare)
BHcare
24-hour hotline and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK)
DESK
Free hot dinner served every evening, plus case management, social services, and connections to housing.
Eviction Defense - Greater New Haven
Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Legal assistance for tenants facing eviction, including court representation and negotiations with landlords.
Fellowship Place Homeless Outreach
Fellowship Place
Outreach and support services for homeless individuals, including mental health recovery programs and supported employment.
General Assistance
City of New Haven
Temporary cash assistance for single adults without children who are unable to work.
How to get started
Act fast if you have an eviction notice
Contact a legal-aid office below as soon as you can. Free lawyers can often delay or stop an eviction and know which assistance funds are open.
Apply for rental assistance
Ask each program what it covers (back rent, this month, deposit) and what documents you need. Apply to more than one if you qualify.
Check for emergency cash help
Some programs offer one-time emergency cash for rent or essentials. Our Benefits Check tool can show what else you might qualify for.
Common questions
Where can I get help paying rent in New Haven?
Rental-assistance and emergency-cash programs in New Haven can help with back rent, this month's rent, or a deposit. The programs on this page are the verified options in our directory. Call to ask what each one covers.
I got an eviction notice. What do I do?
Contact a legal-aid office right away. Free housing lawyers can often delay or stop an eviction, and they know which rental-assistance funds are currently open. Do not miss a court date.
Can I get help with a security deposit?
Some programs cover security deposits or first-month rent for people moving into stable housing. Ask each program below what it covers.
Not sure where to start, or do not see what you need?