Falling behind on rent is stressful, but acting early gives you the most options. Hartford-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 Hartford 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 Hartford
Catholic Charities - Emergency Assistance
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford
Emergency assistance including food, clothing, diapers, help paying rent and utilities, case management, employment services, and advocacy.
Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Free legal services for housing discrimination cases. Sends testers to collect evidence of discrimination, helps file complaints with state and federal agencies. Handles cases involving race, disability, family status, source of income, and other protected classes.
CRT Energy Assistance (CEAP/LIHEAP)
Community Renewal Team
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program helps low and middle-income renters and homeowners pay heating bills. Benefits paid directly to utility company or fuel vendor. Income limits: $47,764 (1 person) up to $126,758 (7+ people).
CRT McKinney Shelter
Community Renewal Team
Overnight emergency shelter for adult males with 88 beds. Provides case management, counseling, referrals, and medical day services.
CRT VITA Free Tax Preparation
Community Renewal Team (CRT)
Free federal and state tax preparation and filing for households earning up to $69,000/year. Trained volunteers help prepare and file basic tax returns at no cost. IRS refunds issued via direct deposit.
CT Department of Social Services - Hartford Office (TFA/TANF)
CT Department of Social Services
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) provides cash aid to families with children to help pay for basic needs while in school, job training, or during hardship. Also processes SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits.
Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut
Habitat for Humanity of North Central CT
Builds and repairs homes for low-income families in Greater Hartford. Offers new construction, rehab projects, existing homeowner repair programs, and financial literacy education. Also operates ReStore thrift stores.
Hands On Hartford - Supportive Housing
Hands On Hartford
Safe, affordable housing and supportive services for individuals with complex health issues. Also provides homeless outreach team connecting individuals living outdoors with resources to secure stable housing.
Housing Authority of the City of Hartford
HACH
Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Manages multiple properties including Betty Knox Apartments, Charter Oak Terrace, Smith Tower, and others.
Housing Education Resource Center
HUD-approved housing counseling agency offering pre-purchase workshops, budget counseling, rental assistance, and homeless services assistance. Services available in English and Spanish.
ImmaCare - Emergency Shelter for Men
ImmaCare Inc. (formerly Immaculate Conception Shelter)
24-hour emergency shelter for men who are most vulnerable to life on the streets, including those with debilitating health issues, severe substance abuse addictions, and mental health issues. Provides safe beds, meals, clothing, showers, laundry, and comprehensive case management. Operating since 1981.
InterCommunity - Recovery House (Residential)
InterCommunity Inc.
Recovery house program providing safe, substance-free housing with 30 hours/week of group and individual therapy, psychiatric and nursing support, and peer support. Also operates a 12-bed Intermediate Enhanced long-term residential program for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Interval House - Domestic Violence Shelter
Interval House
Largest domestic violence agency in Connecticut, serving survivors since 1977. Provides up to 6 weeks of emergency housing for battered women and children, counseling, safety planning, court advocacy, and support groups.
Mercy Housing and Shelter - Shepherd House
Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation
70-bed shelter providing meals, clothing, personal necessities, day shelter services, healthcare access, social work, and nursing services. Also operates transitional housing for people living with HIV/AIDS.
My Sisters' Place - Women's Housing Services
My Sisters' Place
Nonprofit committed to ending homelessness by empowering women, families, and others in Greater Hartford. Provides transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and wraparound services to help residents achieve independence and stability.
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 Hartford?
Rental-assistance and emergency-cash programs in Hartford 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?