Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Connecticut
Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Connecticut
Last updated: September 2025
This hub is built for fast action, clear plans, and trustworthy contacts. Every paragraph includes descriptive links you can tap right away.
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
- Call now for statewide referrals: Dial 2-1-1 to reach the free hotline run by the United Way of Connecticut; ask for “furniture and household goods” programs and your nearest community action agency; if you can’t dial 2-1-1, call 1-800-203-1234 or search online at the 2-1-1 portal. (uwc.211ct.org)
- Ask for a same-week referral to a furniture bank: If you work with any case manager (shelter, housing, DV services, DSS, school social worker), request an immediate referral to Journey Home’s A Hand Up (Hartford area) or WAIM (Windham County) for free furniture and housewares; case managers can submit the client request form on Journey Home’s site or call WAIM at 1-860-456-7270. (journeyhomect.org)
- Protect your utilities today: If you got a shutoff notice, call your utility and ask for “financial hardship” status and Winter Protection (Nov 1–May 1); Eversource 1-800-286-2828, UI 1-800-722-5584; also apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) online. (portal.ct.gov)
Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy
- CEAP heating help & winter protection: Apply online through the state’s Heating Help site; questions go to your local Community Action Agency (find via CAFCA’s directory). (portal.ct.gov)
- Operation Fuel (utility/water grants): Apply online or call 1-860-243-2345; when energy grants are closed, water help may still be open. (operationfuel.org)
- Journey Home furniture (Hartford region): Case managers use the A Hand Up referral portal; warehouse drop-off is at 595 New Park Ave., West Hartford; call 1-860-808-0336. (journeyhomect.org)
- WAIM (Willimantic, 12-town region): Free clothing, furniture, appliances, and housewares for eligible local residents; office 1-860-456-7270. (waimct.org)
- United Way 2-1-1 CT: 24/7 referral line; outside CT use 1-800-203-1234; browse services and eLibrary articles on free clothing and household goods. (uwc.211ct.org)
Who This Guide Is For
You’ll find step-by-step ways to get furniture, kitchen gear, linens, small appliances, and baby sleep gear across Connecticut. The guide links you to official programs like CEAP and PURA’s utility protections and to statewide nonprofit networks like CAFCA and 2-1-1. (portal.ct.gov)
How to Get Free Furniture and Household Items Fast in Connecticut
Start with programs that can deliver or let you pick up right away. Ask any agency you work with to make the referral—many furniture banks require it. If you don’t have a case manager, call 2-1-1 and request one near you through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). (uwc.211ct.org)
- Journey Home (A Hand Up) — Greater Hartford: Clients get furniture and household essentials when moving from homelessness to housing. Case managers submit requests; pickups and deliveries run most weekdays, and the warehouse is at 595 New Park Ave., West Hartford (drop-off Tue/Thu 12–2). (journeyhomect.org)
- WAIM — Windham County: WAIM gives free clothing, furniture, appliances, and other household items to eligible residents at no cost; contact 1-860-456-7270 and ask how to shop. (waimct.org)
- Catholic Charities “Fresh Start Furniture” — Fairfield County: Serving Bridgeport/Fairfield/Stratford/Trumbull; requests go through the online service request form. (ccfairfield.org)
- Furniture Bank of Southeast Connecticut (Gales Ferry): Small nonprofit that furnishes families referred by agencies, including shelters and churches; ask your case manager to contact the furniture bank. (guidestar.org)
- Acts 4 Ministry — Waterbury/Litchfield Hills: Non-denominational nonprofit providing reusable furniture, clothing, and housewares to families in financial distress; call 1-203-574-2287. (web.waterburychamber.com)
- Community Action Agencies (CAAs): CAAs coordinate CEAP, can confirm hardship for utilities, and often refer families to local furniture banks and voucher partners; find your CAA by town. (cafca.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Use community reuse networks like Freecycle and Trash Nothing for free, local pickups, and check your town’s “swap shop” at the transfer station (example: Mansfield’s Swap Shop). The Buy Nothing Project app also lists free items from neighbors. (freecycle.org)
Quick Program Finder — Furniture & Housewares (Statewide and Regional)
| Program | Who It Helps | How to Apply | Referral Needed | Delivery? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Home “A Hand Up” (Hartford region) | Families/individuals moving from homelessness to housing | Case manager submits client request; warehouse Tue/Thu 12–2 for drop-offs | Yes | Yes, scheduled by program |
| WAIM (Windham County) | Residents of 12 towns in Windham area | Call or visit; free goods for eligible locals | Usually no, but bring ID and address proof | Limited—ask |
| Fresh Start Furniture (Fairfield County) | Families in Bridgeport/Fairfield/Stratford/Trumbull | Use online Service Request | Often yes | Ask on approval |
| Furniture Bank of SE CT | Referred families in southeast CT | Agency referral required | Yes | Often arranged |
| Acts 4 Ministry (Waterbury region) | Families in financial distress | Call for intake; agency collaboration | Often yes | Ask staff |
Use the linked sites for contacts and current rules. Funding and delivery capacity change; call to confirm before you plan a move. (journeyhomect.org)
Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Kitchen Items, Linens, and Small Appliances
You can outfit a kitchen and bath with community reuse networks while you wait for a furniture bank appointment. Add a standing alert so you don’t miss posts.
- Use the Trash Nothing statewide directory (pick your region) and Freecycle town groups (e.g., New Haven and East Hartford). Join and post a short “ISO: pots, plates, towels” request. (trashnothing.com)
- Try the Buy Nothing Project app to ask for a bundled “kitchen starter set.” People often give away cups, plates, silverware, and microwaves. (buynothingproject.org)
- Check your town’s transfer station swap shop; for example, Mansfield’s Swap Shop lists kitchenware and small appliances for free, and the town’s reuse page points to WAIM for furniture. (mansfieldct.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your CAA caseworker about any “welcome home” kits from local shelters (e.g., Columbus House welcome kits in New Haven) and check Habitat ReStores for deeply discounted items if free options are unavailable. (columbushouse.org)
Habitat for Humanity ReStores (Discounted, Not Free — Still Useful)
Habitat ReStores sell donated furniture, appliances, cabinets, lighting, and housewares at a fraction of retail. Ask a social worker if a thrift voucher is available.
- Greater New Haven ReStore (Wallingford): Furniture, appliances, housewares; text 1-203-800-5517 for donation pickups in New Haven County. (habitatgnh.org)
- Coastal Fairfield County ReStore (Stratford): Shop or ask about pickup; store phone 1-203-383-4358. (habitatcfc.org)
- Eastern CT ReStores (Plainfield and Waterford): Hours Tue–Sat 10–5; call Plainfield 1-860-564-7507; call Waterford 1-860-437-3422. (habitatect.org)
- Housatonic Habitat ReStore (Danbury): Hours Tue–Sat; check store page for pickup and donation info. (housatonichabitat.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your CAA or St. Vincent de Paul program about vouchers usable at partner thrift stores for essential housewares; example—Middletown’s Community Clothing Program issues Goodwill vouchers usable for small household items. (svdmiddletown.org)
How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Connecticut Today
If you’re facing shutoff, act the same day. You have rights and programs that can pause shutoffs and reduce balances.
- Call your utility and ask for “financial hardship” status: This unlocks the Winter Protection Plan (Nov 1–May 1) and payment arrangements; Eversource 1-800-286-2828, UI 1-800-722-5584. (portal.ct.gov)
- Apply for CEAP: The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heat and creates eligibility for matching payment plans. Apply online through the state portal. (portal.ct.gov)
- Use Operation Fuel when open: Grants up to about $500 may help with electric, gas, deliverable fuel, or water depending on funding; check status and the Fuel Bank Finder. (fuelbank.operationfuel.org)
- If you received a shutoff notice: Call Eversource for reconnection and to enroll in the Matching Payment Program and Winter Protection; if you heat with electricity or gas, ask for matching and budget billing. (eversource.com)
- Medical protection: If anyone in the home is seriously ill, have your provider submit certification through the medical web portal to stop shutoff; you still must work on a payment plan. (eversource.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Call PURA’s Consumer Affairs team through the bill-help pages and ask your CAA energy office for crisis processing (especially for deliverable fuels); also check if CEAP’s Winter Protection and safety net benefits are noted on your account. (portal.ct.gov)
CEAP 2025–2026: What to Expect
The CEAP season is open, with online applications accepted and in-person intake through CAAs. Benefits for 2025–2026 are posted with typical base grants; deliverable-fuel households may qualify for extra deliveries and emergency authorizations in a crisis. Apply early for the best chances at full benefits. (portal.ct.gov)
- Apply online via the state’s Heating Help portal or contact your local CAA through CAFCA’s directory to book an appointment. (portal.ct.gov)
- If you get CEAP, ask your electric/gas utility for a “matching payment plan” and for enrollment in the low-income discount rate where available. PURA details programs and phone numbers for all utilities. (portal.ct.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Operation Fuel about a one-time grant when funding is open, or request a payment arrangement with your utility if seasonal benefits are delayed. (operationfuel.org)
Safe, Free Sleep Spaces for Babies (Pack ’n Plays/Cribettes)
If you have an infant under age one and cannot afford a safe sleep space, ask about free Cribettes from local safe sleep partners. Bright Start (New Britain–based) partners with Cribs for Kids to provide safe sleep education and, for eligible families, a free portable crib after the training. (brightstartct.org)
- Learn about safe sleep from Connecticut health partners and hospital resources; review crib safety and room‑sharing guidance. (portal.ct.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your WIC clinic or hospital social worker for a Cribs for Kids partner near you (search by ZIP), or ask your CAA caseworker to refer you. (cribsforkids.org)
Tables You Can Use Right Now
Utility Shutoff Protections & Help
| Program | Protection Window | Who Qualifies | How to Enroll | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Protection Plan | Nov 1–May 1 | Customers with financial hardship or medical protection | Call utility; submit documents or medical form | Stops shutoff; balance still owed; renew annually |
| Medical Protection | Year-round for life‑threatening illness | Household with serious illness | Provider submits certification via utility’s portal | Must arrange payments while protected |
| CEAP (energy bill help) | Seasonal (apply Sept–May) | Income-eligible households | Apply online or via CAA | Unlocks matching payment plans |
| Operation Fuel | Cycles vary by funding | Income-eligible households, energy “blind” | Apply online; check status | Supports electric, gas, deliverable fuel, some water |
Use PURA’s bill‑help page and the Heating Help portal for details; keep utility phone numbers nearby. (portal.ct.gov)
Statewide Reuse Networks (Free)
| Network | How It Works | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Freecycle | Join your town group; request or offer items for free | New Haven, East Hartford, Cheshire pages |
| Trash Nothing | Aggregates free posts across many platforms | Connecticut regional directory |
| Buy Nothing Project | App-based gifting circles by neighborhood | Download and find your local community |
Start with the New Haven and East Hartford Freecycle pages, the statewide Trash Nothing map, and the Buy Nothing site or app. (freecycle.org)
Key Habitat ReStores (Discounted Goods)
| Affiliate | Location | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HFH Greater New Haven | Wallingford | 1-203-774-7560 | Pickups in most of New Haven County |
| HFH Coastal Fairfield County | Stratford | 1-203-383-4358 | Furniture and appliances; donation pickups |
| HFH Eastern CT | Plainfield & Waterford | 1-860-564-7507; 1-860-437-3422 | Tue–Sat hours; check before you go |
| HFH North Central CT | Bloomfield & Vernon | 1-860-519-0828 | Two ReStore locations |
| Housatonic HFH | Danbury | 1-203-744-1340 | ReStore open Tue–Sat |
Confirm hours on each affiliate’s page and call for current pickup areas. (habitatgnh.org)
Security Deposit Help (Can Free Up Cash for Furniture)
| Program | What It Does | Who Qualifies | Where to Ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit Guarantee (DOH) | Guarantees deposit to landlord | Limited availability; see DOH notice | CT Dept. of Housing page |
| UniteCT Moving Assistance | Up to two months’ security deposit (when open) | Eligible tenants moving | DOH Moving Assistance page |
Check the DOH page to see which option is active and how to apply; programs open and close based on funding. (portal.ct.gov)
Quick Reference — Regional Furniture/HG Sources
| Region | Primary Source | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford/Capital Area | Journey Home “A Hand Up” | Case manager referral; 1-860-808-0336 |
| Windham County | WAIM — free goods | 1-860-456-7270 |
| Fairfield County | Fresh Start Furniture (Catholic Charities) | Online request form |
| Eastern/Southeast CT | HFH Eastern CT ReStores; Furniture Bank of SE CT | 1-860-437-3422; agency referral |
| Waterbury/Litchfield | Acts 4 Ministry | 1-203-574-2287 |
Use 2‑1‑1 to locate the right program if you live along county borders or in smaller towns. (uwc.211ct.org)
Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups
Many charities run voucher programs for clothing and housewares, or provide referrals to partner furniture banks.
- St. Vincent de Paul (Middletown) partners with Goodwill to provide vouchers that can be used for clothing and small household items; contact the Main Street office for cards and voucher info. (svdmiddletown.org)
- Columbus House (New Haven) provides “welcome kits” and sometimes furniture coordination for clients moving into housing; call to ask about current donation acceptance and move‑in support. (columbushouse.org)
- TVCCA (Norwich/New London) navigators can refer to furniture banks and help with CEAP, Section 8/RAP info, and other supports; call 1-860-889-1365. (tvcca.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your town social services about transfer‑station swap sites (e.g., Mansfield) and local mutual aid groups (CT Grapevine lists hubs in New Haven, New London, and Stamford). (mansfieldct.gov)
Resources by Region
Each region has a slightly different mix of services. Call ahead and ask about eligibility, referrals, and delivery.
- Hartford/Capital Region: Start with Journey Home (A Hand Up) for free furniture via case manager referral; use HFH North Central CT ReStores for discounted items in Bloomfield and Vernon; apply for CEAP with CRT or your local CAA. (journeyhomect.org)
- New Haven County: Pair the Greater New Haven ReStore in Wallingford with New Haven Freecycle; check with Community Action Agency of New Haven for CEAP intake and hardship letters to utilities. (habitatgnh.org)
- Fairfield County: Try Fresh Start Furniture (Catholic Charities) in Bridgeport/Fairfield area via the service request, Person‑to‑Person for free clothing/housewares in the Clothing Center, and Coastal Fairfield County ReStore in Stratford. (ccfairfield.org)
- Eastern/Southeastern CT: Shop HFH Eastern CT ReStores; ask TVCCA navigators for referrals to furniture banks; confirm if the Southeast CT Furniture Bank can serve you by agency referral. (habitatect.org)
- Waterbury/Litchfield Hills: Contact Acts 4 Ministry for furniture and housewares; check Housatonic Habitat’s ReStore in Danbury for low‑cost items if you can pick up. (web.waterburychamber.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Use 2‑1‑1’s search and request help from a CAA navigator to find a backup furniture source or thrift voucher program. (uwc.211ct.org)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Showing up without a referral: Many CT furniture banks only work through case managers; ask your shelter, housing worker, school social worker, or CAA to submit the client request before you go. Use CAFCA’s directory if you need a case manager connection. (cafca.org)
- Not asking about delivery: Ask early if delivery is available and if stair access limits what can be delivered; Journey Home delivers after items are tagged and scheduled. (journeyhomect.org)
- Skipping utility hardship enrollment: CEAP alone doesn’t stop a shutoff; you must call the utility and request hardship and Winter Protection or medical protection when applicable; use PURA’s phone list. (portal.ct.gov)
Reality Check
Funding for furniture banks, Operation Fuel, and thrift vouchers changes through the year. Operation Fuel has faced short cycles and high demand; energy/water grants may open and close quickly. Always call or check the status page before you apply, and ask to be notified when funding reopens. (ctpublic.org)
Utility policies evolve. PURA has adjusted bill credits and affordability measures, and rates have changed during 2025; protections like Winter Protection still depend on your hardship status being on file. Always confirm current options with your utility and PURA’s bill‑help page. (portal.ct.gov)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
- Furniture (Hartford): Journey Home (A Hand Up) via case manager; warehouse at 595 New Park Ave., West Hartford; 1-860-808-0336. (journeyhomect.org)
- Furniture (Windham): WAIM free goods; office 1-860-456-7270; material donations Tue–Sat 9–12. (waimct.org)
- Furniture (Fairfield area): Fresh Start Furniture service request; Coastal Fairfield County ReStore in Stratford for low-cost items. (ccfairfield.org)
- Energy help: CEAP apply online; Operation Fuel utility/water grants when open; PURA for hardship/Winter Protection details and medical protection process. (portal.ct.gov)
- Reuse networks: Freecycle town groups; Trash Nothing state regions; Buy Nothing app for local gifting. (freecycle.org)
Application Checklist (Printable/Screenshot-Friendly)
- Photo ID: Driver’s license, state ID, or other photo ID for adult household members.
- Proof of Connecticut address: Lease, utility bill, or mail to your name.
- Proof of income (last 4 weeks): Pay stubs, benefit letters, or income forms (Operation Fuel has forms for zero income or support from friends/family). (operationfuel.org)
- Move-in paperwork: Lease, voucher, or housing letter (for furniture banks serving newly housed families). (journeyhomect.org)
- Case manager contact: Name, phone, and email to complete referrals (Journey Home requires a case manager request). (journeyhomect.org)
- Utility bill (for bill help): Include account number and any shutoff notice (for CEAP/Operation Fuel/enrollment in hardship). (portal.ct.gov)
If Your Application Gets Denied
- Ask for the reason in writing: You have the right to know why a program denied furniture or energy help; sometimes it’s documentation or residency limits. Use CAFCA’s list to try a neighboring CAA if you live on a border. (cafca.org)
- Request a supervisor review: Politely request a second look if you fixed the missing documents or if your situation changed (new shutoff notice, eviction, or medical risk). Use PURA medical and hardship rules to bolster utility cases. (portal.ct.gov)
- Try a Plan B program: If a furniture bank can’t help, ask St. Vincent de Paul or your town social services for a thrift voucher; pair it with Freecycle/Trash Nothing and your Habitat ReStore. (svdmiddletown.org)
County- and Town-Level Variations That Matter
- Transfer station swap shops: Some towns maintain “swap shops” for small housewares; Mansfield runs a Swap Shop with free kitchen goods and small appliances—other towns may have similar programs under Public Works. (mansfieldct.gov)
- Voucher partners: Programs like St. Vincent de Paul Middletown’s Goodwill voucher program may exist in other towns via different partners—ask your town social services or 2‑1‑1 to check. (svdmiddletown.org)
- ReStore pickup areas: ReStore pickup coverage varies by affiliate (e.g., Greater New Haven’s truck covers most of New Haven County and nearby towns); always text/call the local ReStore before you plan. (habitatgnh.org)
Diverse Communities — Tailored Pointers
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for culturally competent case management when you call 2‑1‑1 and your local CAA; you can also request a safe‑sleep kit through Bright Start after completing the training. Remember that PURA’s hardship and medical protections apply regardless of gender identity. (uwc.211ct.org)
- Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Tell your utility about life‑threatening medical needs and have your clinician submit the medical certification through the Eversource web portal or UI medical portal to stop shutoff; ask your case manager to flag accessibility and delivery constraints when scheduling furniture drop‑offs. (eversource.com)
- Veteran single mothers: Use 2‑1‑1 to ask for veteran‑serving furniture partners and Operation Fuel (utility) help; check your local VA social worker for referrals and use CEAP for heating support to unlock matching payment plans. (uwc.211ct.org)
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: Ask Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) or your refugee RES agency about furniture referrals and household kits; IRIS lists local partners for furniture and household goods, and your CAA can help with CEAP. (irisct.org)
- Tribal-specific resources: If you are a citizen of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation or the Mohegan Tribe, contact your tribal government’s human services office for local referrals; then pair those with the state’s CEAP and PURA protections. Use the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation site and the Mohegan Tribe site to locate departments. (mptn-nsn.gov)
- Rural single moms with limited access: Ask WAIM (Windham area) about shopping hours and transportation options; set alerts on Trash Nothing by region and use Freecycle groups to target nearby towns. (waimct.org)
- Single fathers: These programs serve households, not only moms; apply to CEAP, request hardship, and ask for furniture referrals through the same channels. Use CAFCA’s locator to reach your CAA. (cafca.org)
- Language access and disability access: When calling 2‑1‑1 or your CAA, ask for interpretation; request large‑print applications or TTY/relay service for DSS and utility calls; Operation Fuel and CEAP can accommodate accessibility needs during intake. (uwc.211ct.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your town hall human services office to coordinate a three‑way call with your preferred interpreter and the agency you’re applying to; this is common for CEAP and utility protections. (portal.ct.gov)
Real-World Examples
- Hartford move‑in on a tight budget: A school social worker submitted a Journey Home referral on Monday; by Friday, the family picked out tagged items at the West Hartford warehouse and scheduled delivery for the following week. They used the Heating Help portal the same day to apply for CEAP and called Eversource to add Winter Protection. (journeyhomect.org)
- Windham kitchen rebuild: A Mansfield renter visited the town’s Swap Shop for pots and dishes, then shopped WAIM’s housewares for free; the CAA processed CEAP, and the utility put hardship status on file to avoid winter shutoff. (mansfieldct.gov)
- Bridgeport apartment basics: A domestic‑violence advocate submitted a Fresh Start Furniture request; the family added plates and cookware from the Buy Nothing app while waiting for delivery, and Operation Fuel assisted with a water bill. (ccfairfield.org)
Troubleshooting Weird but Common Situations
- Landlord wants a big security deposit you don’t have: Check if the state Security Deposit Guarantee or UniteCT Moving Assistance is active; if closed, ask your CAA about local charitable help, and look for a unit with a one‑month deposit. (portal.ct.gov)
- Your EBT/SNAP got skimmed and money’s gone: DSS added an EBT lock/unlock tool in September 2025; lock the card between purchases and change your PIN monthly; report theft to police. (ctinsider.com)
- ReStore pickup delays: Every affiliate schedules by region. Text or call your local ReStore (e.g., Wallingford or Stratford) with photos, and ask about alternate donation days if you’re on a tight timeline. (habitatgnh.org)
Application Steps (Use Lists for Speed)
- For a furniture bank referral:
- Ask your case manager to submit the client request (Journey Home/WAIM/Catholic Charities); confirm delivery availability and stair access.
- Keep your lease or housing letter ready; bring ID and proof of address on pickup/delivery day.
- If no case manager, call 2‑1‑1 and ask for a CAA or local agency to sponsor your referral. (journeyhomect.org)
- For CEAP energy help:
- Apply online at Heating Help or schedule with your CAA; bring ID, income for last four weeks, and your utility bill.
- After applying, call your utility to enroll in hardship/Winter Protection and a matching payment plan.
- If you use deliverable fuel and have less than a week of fuel, request crisis processing. (portal.ct.gov)
- For Operation Fuel:
- Check if the grant window is open; apply online and upload required documents (income, ID, bill).
- If your application is incomplete after 30 days, you may need to reapply; look for water assistance if energy grants are closed.
- Use the Fuel Bank Finder to find in‑person help if you prefer. (operationfuel.org)
“Reality Check” Boxes — Delays and Workarounds
- Furniture delivery backlogs: End‑of‑month moves create spikes. Ask for a partial delivery (beds and table first) and fill gaps via Freecycle/Buy Nothing for a week or two. (freecycle.org)
- Operation Fuel timing: When funding is tight, application windows can be as short as a few weeks; set calendar alerts and subscribe to your CAA’s updates. (ctpublic.org)
- Utility bills: Even during Winter Protection, balances grow; get on budget billing now to keep the balance manageable into spring. PurA’s pages explain how protections work with payment plans. (portal.ct.gov)
FAQs (Connecticut-Specific)
- Where can I get a bed for free if I’m moving this month: Ask your case manager to refer you to Journey Home A Hand Up or WAIM; if delivery can’t happen before move‑in, request a priority for beds and use Buy Nothing/Freecycle for temporary items. (journeyhomect.org)
- Do I need a referral to use a furniture bank: Most CT furniture banks need a case manager referral; call 2‑1‑1 and ask for a CAA or local partner to sponsor your request if you don’t already have one. (uwc.211ct.org)
- Can Habitat ReStore give me items for free: ReStores sell at deep discounts and sometimes partner with agencies; ask your social worker about thrift vouchers while you shop ReStore for staples. (habitatgnh.org)
- How fast can CEAP help with a shutoff: Apply online, then call your utility to set hardship/Winter Protection and a payment plan; crisis fuel authorizations can be fast for deliverable fuels when eligibility is confirmed. (portal.ct.gov)
- What if my Eversource/UI shutoff is scheduled this week: Call immediately and request hardship/Winter Protection; if someone is seriously ill, ask your clinician to submit medical protection via the portal. (portal.ct.gov)
- Can I get help with a security deposit instead and use my cash for furniture: The DOH Security Deposit Guarantee and UniteCT Moving Assistance may be available depending on funding; check DOH’s page and ask your town’s CAA for current status. (portal.ct.gov)
- I live in a rural town. Who can deliver: WAIM serves many Windham‑area towns and may advise on transport; otherwise, request smaller items first and use neighbors through Trash Nothing/Freecycle. (waimct.org)
- Are there programs for baby cribs or Pack ’n Plays: Bright Start partners with Cribs for Kids to provide Cribettes after safe‑sleep education; ask your clinic or WIC as well. (brightstartct.org)
- Do these programs help single fathers too: Yes—eligibility is based on household need; CAAs, CEAP, Operation Fuel, and furniture banks all serve any qualifying family. Use CAFCA’s locator to start. (cafca.org)
- I don’t use Facebook. How else can I get free items: Use the Buy Nothing Project app (no Facebook required) and the statewide Trash Nothing directory for free items near you. (buynothingproject.org)
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Nota: Esta traducción se creó con herramientas de IA. Verifique los detalles por teléfono o en los sitios oficiales.
- Muebles gratis (Hartford): Pida a su trabajador social que haga una referencia a Journey Home (A Hand Up). Dirección del almacén: 595 New Park Ave., West Hartford; teléfono 1-860-808-0336. (journeyhomect.org)
- Muebles gratis (Windham): WAIM ofrece ropa, muebles y artículos del hogar sin costo a residentes elegibles; llame al 1-860-456-7270. (waimct.org)
- Ayuda de calefacción/energía: Solicite CEAP en línea; luego llame a su compañía (Eversource 1-800-286-2828; UI 1-800-722-5584) para “protección de invierno” y planes de pago. (portal.ct.gov)
- Operation Fuel: Verifique si hay fondos para una ayuda única para electricidad/gas/agua; solicite en línea o llame al 1-860-243-2345. (operationfuel.org)
- Artículos gratis: Únase a Freecycle o Trash Nothing para recoger artículos en su zona; también use la app Buy Nothing. (freecycle.org)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) portal. (portal.ct.gov)
- Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) Bill Help and Eversource medical protection. (portal.ct.gov)
- United Way 2‑1‑1 Connecticut and 2‑1‑1 eLibrary — Free Clothing & Household Goods. (uwc.211ct.org)
- CAFCA — Community Action Agencies directory and Operation Fuel. (cafca.org)
- Journey Home — A Hand Up and WAIM. (journeyhomect.org)
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores in CT and affiliate ReStore pages statewide. (habitatgnh.org)
- Freecycle, Trash Nothing, and Buy Nothing Project. (freecycle.org)
- CT Department of Housing — Security Deposit Guarantee. (portal.ct.gov)
- Bright Start — Safe Sleep/Cribettes and Cribs for Kids partner finder. (brightstartct.org)
Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
This guide is produced under our Editorial Standards using official sources. It’s regularly updated and monitored. We are not a government agency, and this isn’t a substitute for official guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes can’t be guaranteed. If you see a needed correction, email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
Important: Programs change frequently. Always confirm hours, funding, and eligibility with the agency or store before traveling. For emergencies, call 9‑1‑1. For statewide social service referrals, dial 2‑1‑1. Links in this guide go to official or well‑established resources, but we do not control third‑party sites.
🏛️More Connecticut Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Connecticut
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
