Cristina Urrutia, Mediation Case Manager

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) administers a statewide housing mediation program, which includes a Rent Bank to pay the back rent or mortgage of families in imminent danger of being evicted.  CM operates this program in the greater New Haven area and also serves as the program's lead agency, providing training and technical assistance to other agencies and DSS. 

For eligible families in Branford, East Haven, Hamden, New Haven, North Haven and West Haven, CM provides mediation to help tenants/landlords and homeowners/mortgage holders resolve conflicts over back rent or mortgage owed, repairs, late rent payments, and other issues.  Eligibility criteria for the program include:

• Families must have a gross monthly family income less than 60% of the state median income adjusted for family size.
  
• The family’s rent or mortgage must be less than or equal to 60% of the gross monthly family income.
  
• Families must have received a Notice to Quit or a letter indicating possible foreclosure.
  
• Families and landlords or mortgage holders must agree that it is their intention that the family remain in the home for at least 12 months.

The mediation process is free, confidential, and voluntary.  The Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program is not an entitlement program.  Assessment and mediation services, as well as Rent Bank resources, are contingent upon the availability of funding for the program.

To apply for the Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program, please print out and complete the appropriate pre-application below or call us at 203-782-3500.  Please do not fax the application to us, it will not be accepted.  Thank you.