Resource Library

While communities strive towards providing permanent housing for all who need it, they are still faced with serving the existing unsheltered population, prompting the question: “What do we do in the meantime?” The strategies in this document explain how communities might respond in these situations.

This webinar explores how emergency shelters can be redesigned to support people experiencing homelessness by focusing on housing outcomes. It highlights strategies for creating low-barrier, trauma-informed shelter environments that prioritize safety, dignity, and easy access. The discussion includes how shelters can integrate the voices of people with lived experience and align more closely with permanent housing goals to improve overall system effectiveness.

This video from the Homeless and Housing Resource Center highlights five practical strategies for making shelters more welcoming and accessible to people experiencing homelessness. It focuses on removing common obstacles that keep individuals from entering or staying in shelters, such as strict rules or unsafe environments. The video encourages adopting trauma-informed, low-barrier approaches that prioritize safety, dignity, and trust-building between staff and residents.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.