Government Assistance Resources

United way 2-1-1

2-1-1 is your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. 2-1-1 is always ready to assist you find the help you need. Dial 2-1-1 or click here to visit their website. If you are outside of Connecticut or have a problem using the 2-1-1-number, dial 1-800-203-1234.

United Way Community Resources Guide for Bristol (available in English and Spanish)


Human resources agency (hra)

Location: 55 South Street Bristol, CT 

(formerly Bristol Community Organization "BCO")

Phone number: (860) 584-2725

The Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. is a multi-service non-profit organization dedicated to increasing economic self-sufficiency among individuals and families residing in greater New Britain, Bristol and surrounding towns. HRA's five program divisions house its wide variety of services; children and families, community and neighborhood, employment and training, energy and housing, and health and wellness.

Click here to visit the HRA's website


Community Services Department

Location: 51 High Street Bristol, Ct 06010
Phone number: (860) 584-6160

The City of Bristol Community Services Department develops and maintains a coordinated system of social services for the residents of Bristol. Our staff provides advocacy, information and referral, guidance, short-term case management, and support services to adults, elderly, and disabled residents in need.

The department accepts referrals from a variety of agencies and other sources. The City of Bristol Community Services Department serves as a crucial link between the serving agencies and the resident in need. The staff also assists clients in completing applications for state financial assistance and medical needs, SNAP (food stamps), as well as Social Security benefits, and employs certified CHOICES counselors for Medicare.

The Community Services Department also assists with Fair Housing, Relocation for displaced persons, and Evictions. 

View the Community Services Department's website here


Department of Social Services 

The Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency.  DSS supports the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Some DSS services include:

• provides federal/state food and economic aid, health care coverage, independent living and home care, social work, child support, home-heating aid, protective services for older adults, and more vital service areas.

• supports the health of over 780,000 residents through HUSKY Health (Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program), including medical, dental, behavioral health, prescription medications, long-term services and supports.

• helps over 400,000 residents afford food and supports Connecticut’s economy with federally-funded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). 

List of All Programs and Services

New Britain Field Office - 30 Christian Lane, New Britain, CT 06051-4121

Waterbury Field Office - 249 Thomaston Ave., Waterbury, CT 06702-1397

Call 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) (TTD/TTY 1-800-842-4524 for persons with speech or hearing difficulties)

Click here to visit the Department of Social Services website for more information