January 6, 2010 - On January 5, 2010, the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) kicked off the Frequent User Service Enhancement (FUSE) and Housing First pilots. FUSE will provide supportive housing for 30 individuals in Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport who have cycled in and out of jail, shelter, emergency health, and other public systems and the goal is to reduce cycling through the prison and other systems.

The Departments of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS), Correction (DOC), and Social Services (DSS), Court Support Services Division (CSSD), Office of Policy & Management, CSH, CT Coalition to End Homelessness, local non profit service providers and public housing authorities have collaborated on this initiative.

Funding is provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Melville Charitable Trust, and Open Society Institute.  More information about the FUSE pilots is available here.

The Housing First pilot will provide supportive housing for 20 individuals in Hartford and New Haven who are coming out of hospitals and institutions. CSH is also partnering with state agencies and local providers on this important initiative. The goal of Housing First is to show how individuals can successfully transition directly from institutions to permanent housing.

Both pilots involve an intensive two week training component for providers and are being researched by DMHAS staff.  The research will show the cost effectiveness of investing in both pilots.

For more information, contact Wendy Coco at CSH at or 203-289-0826.