United Way Activates Its Rapid Response Fund for Housing Assistance

Hartford, Conn. (November 19, 2025) – The United Way Rapid Response Fund has been activated to help people stay housed. In response to the continued increases in homelessness, the challenge that winter represents with high utility bills and the disruptions to food benefits, the organization is prepared to provide direct cash assistance to help people stay housed during the winter months.  

Through this effort, United Way will prevent and address homelessness by providing direct monetary assistance to individuals and families who are struggling financially and are at risk of losing their homes, with the goal of keeping people in stable housing. Municipalities across the 860 region will make referrals to United Way so that people get the cash assistance who need it the most.  

“As community conditions change, United Way is prepared to address and respond to the emerging, immediate needs impacting our region. We stay vigilant as a community mobilizer, activating the people and resources needed to effectively support our communities,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “This is the third year in a row that we have activated the United Way Rapid Response Fund, and we know that it will continue to make a big impact, especially given current conditions. We appreciate the partnership cultivated with our 56 municipalities to ensure individuals and families remain stable as they face these uncertain times,” added Harrison. 

“United Way is a key partner in Connecticut’s efforts to respond to and prevent instances of homelessness. Working together, we can ensure that the resources are available to address this complex issue and create lasting solutions to identify stable, secure, and permanent housing” Governor Ned Lamont. 

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut announced its initial investment of $100,000 to launch the Rapid Response Fund, and members of the public are invited to join this effort and contribute to this fund by texting the keyword UWRAPIDRESPONSE to 41444. The goal is to meet immediate housing needs, such as emergency assistance for rent and utilities, to prevent people from experiencing homelessness. 

“The activation of this fund is not just a help to those facing homelessness, it is a real lifeline. The United Way Rapid Response Fund provides direct assistance which ensures that individuals in need get the necessary support quickly and efficiently – something that is incredibly critical during the harsh, cold winter months,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “I’d like to thank United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for their continued commitment to the people of our state.” 

People who seek United Way’s Rapid Response Funds to help stabilize their housing can contact their local municipal social services department to receive information about this initiative. United Way has a list of all participating municipalities on their website.   

“At its core, preventing homelessness is about keeping individuals and families safe, stable, and together. The United Way Rapid Response Fund demonstrates what’s possible when we combine data, proven strategies, and strong municipal partnerships. By acting early and collaboratively, we can prevent housing crises before they begin—and protect lives in the process. This initiative is a model of how local philanthropy and government can work together to deliver timely, effective support that keeps people housed,” shared Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Commissioner of Housing. 

“Your support is needed now more than ever as the number of people experiencing financial hardship is increasing. United Way is rallying individuals, corporations, philanthropists and government to come together to make a difference and provide relief to our neighbors,” said Harrison. “Our commercial real estate and building industry steps up every year to raise funds through their Building Foundations Breakfast, which helps make initiatives like the Rapid Response Fund possible. United Way is all about connecting people and resources to create impact, and it will take all of us working together to continue to close gaps in housing,” added Harrison. 

To learn more about United Way’s Rapid Response Fund, please visit unitedwayinc.org. 

### 

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut 

United Way mobilizes resources and aligns strategic partners to end poverty in the 860 region by closing gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy with the goal of a region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org. 

Media Contact: 

Anyeline Céspedes López | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | acespedes@unitedwayinc.org | 787-502-0436