Shelter Diversion & Rapid Rehousing
Click here to see changes at 211 Effective November 1, 2022 211ct.org .
Beginning November 1, 2022, the United Way 211 Infoline will be implementing changes to their service delivery system for housing and homelessness calls. Those specific changes can be found via their published FAQ which you can access by following this link: https://uwc.211ct.org/wp-
In general, those changes will include:
- Eliminating overnight service for those facing a housing crisis outside of the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and
- Discontinuing live assistance to callers seeking information on basic housing supports (e.g., Section 8 rental assistance and similar).
Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation remains dedicated to serving individuals and families experiencing housing crises and homelessness. We anticipate delays and challenges as we implement new strategies to address the changes at 211 and ask for your patience as we do our best to ensure our community’s most vulnerable are kept safe during the coming months.
Shelter Diversion and Rapid Re-housing (RRH) are evidence-based approaches to end homelessness as quickly as possible for families and individuals. Both programs follow the “Housing First” model which recognizes that people are much more likely to find success when they are no longer in a stressful crisis situation. Rather than wait for people who have become homeless to be “housing ready,” Mercy’s Shelter Diversion aims to divert individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis from entering the homeless response system by helping them to connect to alternative housing options and mainstream resources. Mercy’s Rapid Re-Housing using targeted financial assistance and short-term services to quickly return individuals and families who have slipped into homelessness back into housing and stability.
