Services
Since 1968, the Friendship Service Center has been a place where the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, and everyone is welcome. The agency provides a continuum of services for men, women and children who are at risk or experiencing homelessness in Central Connecticut. Services range from an emergency shelter, to transitional living programs, permanent supportive housing options, and more! The Friendship Service Center also offers lunch to the community each day in the Tomasso Community Kitchen. Read through below to learn more about specific programs!
Community Kitchen
The Tomasso Family Community Kitchen provides lunch Monday through Friday to anyone in need, and three meals per day, seven days per week, to residents and former residents. More than 135 meals are served each day. Financial and in-kind donations of food from supermarkets, congregations, community groups, and individuals allow us to stretch our food budget further. The soup kitchen is the primary way for volunteers to become engaged at the Friendship Center, and volunteers ensure that guests are served in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
Emergency Shelter
Our 39-bed emergency shelter for men, women, and children is located in our Virginia C. Davis Building. This short-term intervention offers three meals per day and participants have use of laundry facilities as well as case management services. Each resident develops a case plan that may include: counseling, crisis intervention, goal setting, housing assistance, and referrals to community support services; e.g., substance abuse treatment, education, job training, child care, or a combination thereof.
Transitional Living Program
The Transitional Living Program is a six- to 24-month program for 10 homeless youth (ages 18-24) and 5 homeless Veterans. Each participant is provided a room, case management, and an individualized case action plan.
