Community Resources & Guidance

Unexpected events are an inevitable part of everyday life. While all unanticipated events aren’t always negative or time-sensitive, many require immediate attention and the preceding knowledge to respond in a calm, effective manner.  This page is designed to connect you to local community services and contacts that will aid you in times of crisis. 

             Hotlines | Mental Health Crisis | Substance Abuse | Food Banks & Pantries | Shelters & Warming Stations | Overdose | Health Care | Behavioral Health Guide | 

Quick Reference – Hotlines:

• Coronavirus Hotline for General Questions call 2-1-1 or text “CTCOVID” to 898211.
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline English: 1-800-273-8255 Spanish: 1-888-628-9454
• 24/7 Substance Abuse Treatment call the Access Line at 1-800-563-4086
• Crisis Text Line 24/7 crisis text line: text HOME to 741-741
• Sexual Assault Crisis Services English: 888-999-5545 Spanish: 888-568-8332
• The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services walk in assistance & 24-hour hotline, (203)-736-9944 & (203)-789-8104; Toll Free: 1-888-774-2900
• Trans Lifeline peer support helpline for Transgender individuals 877-565-8860

Dial 2-1-1

211 is a telephone service that connects you to a range of health and human service information. Highly trained specialists will assess your needs (big or small) and provide referrals to proper assistance. The multilingual, confidential call-line is available 24 hours a day, year-round free of charge. You can also search for resources by visiting www.211ct.org, information includes but is not limited to:

Crisis Services:

• The Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Service (EMPS) provides crisis services for children and youth through the Department of Children & Families (DCF), 211 will connect you!
• Connecticut’s Mental Health Center located at 34 Park Street New Haven, CT 06518 provides crisis services for adults through the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS). Call (203)-974-7713 or 974-7714 between 9:00AM-7:00PM for assistance 7:00PM-9:00AM dial (203)-974-7300.
• BH Care located at 435 East Main Street, Ansonia CT 06401 also provides crisis services for adults, contact (203) 736-2601
• North Haven Energy Assistance Line (203)-239-2566 
• Community Action Agency of New Haven - Energy Assistance for Hamden (203)-285-8018 or https://www.caanh.net/

Substance Abuse/ Mental Health: All services accommodate Spanish speakers

• South Central Rehabilitation Center provides substance abuse and mental health services including detox, methadone (medication assisted treatment), and triage for adults 18+. Available 24/7 at 232 Cedar Street New Haven (203)-503-3318.
• APT Foundation’s Access Center located at 1 Long Wharf Drive, Suite 10 provides outpatient and residential treatment to all, including pregnant women. (203)-781-4600. Walk In Hours Monday-Friday 8:30-11:00AM
• North Haven Residents have access to a range of counseling services offered through North Haven Community Services, including 24-hour mental health emergency services for ongoing clients. The counseling center is located on the first floor of the Town Hall Anex, 5 Linsley Street, North Haven. Call (203)-239-5321 ext. 500.
•  Substance Abuse Treatment Center evaluates and provides outpatient services to individuals 17+ with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
• Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, outpatient and intensive outpatient services for adults 18+ with substance abuse or mental health disorders. Located at 2080 Whitney Avenue, Hamden CT 06518, (203)-747-3480

Food Banks & Pantries 

For more locations, days & times: Text HUNGER to 888111 

North Haven Food Bank 

Food Assistance:  The Community Services Food Bank is offering preassembled food bags for any North Haven residents for pickup.  Residents are able to receive one large recyclable shopping bag filled with non-perishable items each month.  Please call 203-239-5321 x 500 to schedule your appointment.  Appointments are available any time between 9:00am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.  Based on the high volume of requests, we ask that you call one day in advance.

For more information visit: 

https://www.town.north-haven.ct.us/government/town_departments/departments_(a_-_d)/community_services/index.php

Woodbridge Food Bank 

• Woodbridge Department of Human Services provides assistance to residents of Woodbridge; Income restrictions & proof of residency required. 203-389-3429 

Hamden Food Banks & Pantries: 2019

• Keefe Community Center, 11 Pine Street Hamden, CT 06514/ 203-562-5129 | Mondays 12PM-2PM, Tuesdays 2PM-4PM, Thursdays 12PM-2PM, Serves Hamden Residents Only, By appointment only. 
• Ministry of Helps 308/310 Morse St, Hamden CT, 06517/ 203-785-8057 Mondays 5-6PM *Must fill out registration at first visit. 
• Christ of Bread of Life Mobile Food Pantry  322 Circular Ave, Hamden CT 06514/ 203-741-9751 2nd Wednesday of the month, 5PM-6PM, Open to All, Walk-in. 
• St. Ann's Soup Kitchen - Lower Level, 930 Dixwell Avenue Hamden CT 06514/ 203-562-5700, 1st & 3rd Friday of the month 9AM-11AM. Open to all, Walk in. 
• Breathrough Church, 481 Shelton Ave, Hamden CT 06514, 3rd Saturda of the month 1-3PM 
• Hasan Islamic Center Mobile Food Pantry, 870 Dixwell Ave, Hamden CT 06514 / 203-741-9751, 4th Friday of the month 11AM-12PM. Open to all. Walk in. 

Emergency Housing

• Hillside Family Shelter (203)-777-7848
• Columbus House (203)-401-4400
• Emergency Shelter Management (203)-777-2522
• Taking Initiative Center is a drop in center and safe place for homeless individuals and/or those who are recovering from addiction. 514 Whalley Avenue, New Haven (203)-389-2970 ext. 1317
• In the event of a public health emergency requiring relocation, shelters for Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, Orange & Woodbridge can be found here

Overdose

Unintentional drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. Every 8 minutes a life is lost to an opioid overdose because opiates like heroin or prescription pain killers diminish your body’s automatic drive to breathe.

If you ever suspect you are witnessing a drug overdose CALL 911! Signs includes a person who is unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing or breathing abnormally and has blue lips, nails or skin color. In the State of CT, the 911 Good Samaritan Law protects anyone seeking emergency medical attention for a suspected drug overdose from civil liability and criminal prosecution, even if drugs are present. The law also protects anyone administering Naloxone (Narcan). Please note you may not be protected from arrest if you have an existing warrant or are on probation or parole.

Overdose is avoidable and reversible, if you, a friend or a loved one struggles with substance use, call the health department at (203)248-4528 to learn how you can get an opioid overdose reversal kit.  

Connecticut’s Health Care Resource Guide

211 created this resource guide to help Connecticut residents navigate state, federal and privately purchased health care coverage and to aid those individuals who are currently uninsured, ineligible for coverage or unable to afford health related costs.

Updated as of November, 2018: https://uwc.211ct.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/HealthCareUninsuredGuide2008.pdf

The Office of the Health Care Advocate (OHA) recognizes that health care can be overwhelming and confusing. The OHA is an agency that advocates for CT healthcare consumers by holding insurance providers accountable, helping you successfully resolve any obstacles free of charge.

www.ct.gov/OHA

Behavioral Health Service Guide

CT Clearinghouse serves as a library & resource center for Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs, Mental Health & Wellness. Their behavioral health service guide provides an overview of local emergency services, resources, support groups, along with national and regional organizations for residents statewide. 

English Version 2018 

Spanish Version 2018