Many people struggling with homelessness or housing instability also face issues related to substance use. While working to get these clients housed or to assist them in maintaining their housing, there are services they can access to address these non-housing needs to support them in their goals of becoming sober.

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services works with the Department of Housing, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, and many community partners across the state to learn the needs of this population and assist them in accessing substance use services as well as educate front line workers on how to identify and refer a client to the services and resources available to meet their needs.

Caseworkers or front line staff who need information on what level of care an individual may need or to connect them to services should call the Access Line (1-800-563-4086) or visit www.ct.gov/dmhas/walkins for a list of walk-in centers. The Access Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please click here for more information. 

Change the Script is a new statewide program that connects town leaders, healthcare professionals, treatment professionals, and everyday people with the resources they need to face prescription drugs and opioid misuse – and write a new story about what we can accomplish when we all work toward a shared goal.

For more information on Change the Script, visit their web page here.