Directory
123 resources
Clear filtersUnited Way of Connecticut
Statewide information and referral service connecting residents with social services including housing, food, healthcare, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 by phone. Also coordinates the…
24/7 by phone
Before you go: Bring photo ID and any eviction, shelter, lease, or income paperwork you have.
SAMHSA
Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call, text, or chat. Available in English and Spanish.
24/7
Before you go: If this is urgent or you may hurt yourself or someone else, call 988 or 911.
Access Independence, Inc.
One of Connecticut's five federally designated Centers for Independent Living, serving coastal Fairfield County including Bridgeport (nearest office in Stratford). Provides advocacy, peer support, inf…
By appointment; call to confirm current service hours.
Before you go: Ask which disability services fit your situation before scheduling.
Advancing CT Together
Statewide harm reduction services including syringe service program (SSP), naloxone/Narcan distribution, overdose prevention education, HIV/Hepatitis C screening, and safer sex supplies. Non-judgmenta…
Varies by service; contact for schedule
Before you go: Call or check outreach hours before going because mobile and drop-in schedules can change.
Alliance for Community Empowerment
Free diapers, period products, and adult incontinence products for families in need through partnership with The Diaper Bank of Connecticut. Two pickup locations in Bridgeport.
Mon-Fri; call for pickup schedule
Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.
Alliance for Community Empowerment
Community action agency providing emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. Serves over 35,000 individuals annually across the Greater Bridgeport area.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
Alliance for Community Empowerment (formerly ABCD)
Bridgeport's federally designated Community Action Agency (the renamed ABCD). Runs the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for the region (winter heating bills, water/sewer help, furnace repa…
Energy intake by appointment: (203) 384-6904
Before you go: Bring photo ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and any bills or account information related to the help you need.
Alliance for Community Empowerment
Federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs at 13 sites across Greater Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Stratford. Full-year preschool for children 0-5 from low-income families. Part-day (9am-1:50pm, fr…
Part-day: 9am-1:50pm; Full-day: 7:30am-5:30pm
Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Largest emergency shelter program for families in Connecticut. Families live in the shelter for 60-90 days while receiving case management, meals (lunch, dinner, cold breakfast), and connections to pe…
24/7 shelter
Before you go: This shelter is for families, not individuals. Don't just walk up to 309 Brooks St. In CT, call 2-1-1 first to start Coordinated Access intake and get referred here.
Career Resources Inc.
One-stop career center providing job search assistance, career coaching, resume help, job training information, educational opportunities, and access to hiring events. Free services.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Before you go: Bring photo ID, work history, resume if you have one, and any benefit or referral paperwork.
Youth mentoring program pairing children with adult mentors for one-on-one friendship and guidance. Community-based and site-based mentoring programs help youth build confidence, improve academic perf…
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (office)
Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.
Walk-in community food pantry in the Black Rock neighborhood. No appointment needed.
Saturday mornings 9am-12pm; call or check website before visiting
Before you go: Bring photo ID and proof of address if you have them.
City of Bridgeport Department on Aging
City-run senior center in the Black Rock neighborhood offering recreational and wellness activities for older adults, including bingo, tai chi, chair exercises, and social chat sessions. Open to Bridg…
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Before you go: Bring ID, Medicare or insurance cards, benefit notices, and caregiver contact information if relevant.
Church of the Blessed Sacrament
Parish food pantry serving over 300 registered families. Sourced from CT Food Bank and supplemented by donations from other parishes. Open every Thursday except the first Thursday of the month.
Thu 7:30am-10am (except 1st Thu of month)
Before you go: Call or check hours before going because pantry schedules can change.
Bridgeport Public Schools
Free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes from introductory to advanced levels. Also offers citizenship preparation courses covering US History, Government, and Civics for the USCIS exam. GED an…
Day classes at 418 Kossuth St; Evening classes at Central High School
Before you go: Bring immigration notices, identity documents, court papers, and any prior applications if you have them.
Optimus Health Care
Community health center providing primary care, preventive services, and health education on a sliding fee scale.
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 8am-5pm; Tue 8am-7:30pm; Sat 9am-1pm for pediatric/adult care
Before you go: Bring photo ID, insurance or HUSKY card if you have one, and a medication list.
City of Bridgeport Health & Social Services
City social services information and referrals for people with disabilities, including connections to public benefits, accessibility supports, transportation, and community services.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Before you go: Bring photo ID, proof of Bridgeport residency, and any benefit or disability paperwork.
Bridgeport Hospital (Yale New Haven Health)
24-hour emergency psychiatric services for adults, adolescents, children, and seniors. Inpatient psychiatric care, crisis intervention, outpatient programs (REACH), and geriatric mental health service…
24/7 for emergency; inpatient and outpatient hours vary
Before you go: If this is urgent or you may hurt yourself or someone else, call 988 or 911.
City of Bridgeport Department of Youth Services
Free after-school program operating in 23 Bridgeport public schools, serving over 2,200 students daily. Programming includes academic enrichment, personal growth, social development, career readiness,…
Mon-Fri, school dismissal to 5:30pm (school year)
Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.
City of Bridgeport
City reentry support for residents returning from incarceration, with referrals for employment, housing, identification, benefits, mentoring, and community services.
Mon-Fri business hours; call to confirm
Before you go: Bring ID if you have it, release paperwork, and any probation/parole contact information.
Connecticut Probate Courts
Handles matters including wills and estates, conservatorships, guardianship of minors, name changes, adoption, and commitment proceedings. Public court serving Bridgeport residents.
Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm; Fri 8:30am-4pm
Before you go: Bring court papers, notices, letters, leases, IDs, and deadlines related to the legal issue.
City of Bridgeport Health & Social Services
Emergency assistance for individuals who have received an eviction notice or are encountering hardship cases that may lead to eviction. Helps with relocation and housing stabilization.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Before you go: Call before going to confirm bed, appointment, or waitlist status.
Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Free clothing distribution for children, men, and women. Primarily serves individuals experiencing homelessness, though very low-income residents may also qualify. Part of the Rescue Mission's compreh…
Call for current hours
Before you go: No set hours are posted, so call before you go to confirm they're open. Clothing is free for kids, men, and women, no purchase needed.
Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Emergency shelter for single adult men experiencing homelessness. Provides safe beds, hot meals, showers, clean clothing, healthcare through Sage Healthcare partnership, and case management to promote…
24/7 shelter; Office hours vary
Before you go: Bring photo ID and any eviction, shelter, lease, or income paperwork you have.