Social Services
We treat patients as a whole, helping with a variety of issues including food insecurity, mortgage/rent support and utility/energy assistance, unemployment, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, clothing resources, and more.
The Compass Program
At the heart of HAVEN Free Clinic is the Compass Program — our signature 3-to-5-year care navigation program designed to do more than manage your health today.
Through Compass, we work with you to:
Understand your health conditions and how to manage them
Connect you with community resources, specialists, and support services
Build a roadmap toward permanent healthcare coverage and a long-term primary care provider
The ultimate goal of the Compass Program is to help you establish care with a permanent provider, so you have consistent, reliable access to healthcare beyond your time with us. Ask your care team how to enroll, or let us know if you'd like to learn more.
Social Determinants of Health Screening
Your health is shaped by more than what happens in the clinic. Check any of the following that apply to you to see how we can help — and bring anything you check to your next visit so our care team can connect you with support.
This screening is completely private. Your answers stay on your device — nothing is saved, sent, or shared.
Connecticut 211
211 is a free, confidential service that connects you to essential health and human services across Connecticut — food, housing, utility assistance, transportation, and more — available 24/7.
Social Service Resources
We connect patients with local food pantries, community meals, and supplemental food programs. Additionally, we support eligible patients in applying for SNAP and WIC benefits.
Speak with our social services team during your visit or email hfc.social.services@yale.edu for more information.
Stable housing is essential to good health. Our social services team can help connect you with housing resources and support in the New Haven area.
- Referrals to emergency shelters and transitional housing programs
- Assistance with rental aid applications and utility/energy assistance programs via 211, which is a free, confidential information and referral service in Connecticut that connects people to essential health and human services.
- 211 can offer resources in food access, housing, transportation, utility assistance, and more.
- To learn more about 211, dial 2-1-1 or visit their website at https://www.211ct.org/.
- Referral to legal aid for tenants facing eviction or unsafe living conditions
- Support navigating the coordinated access network (CAN) for housing placement in Connecticut
If you are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, please let any member of our care team know so we can begin connecting you with resources right away.
Finding and maintaining employment can be a key part of overall well-being. We can help connect you with job readiness and workforce development resources in New Haven.
- Referrals to local workforce development programs and job training opportunities
- Help with resume writing and interview preparation through community partners
- Connection to adult education and GED programs
- Information about workers' rights and employment protections
Ask our social services team for a personalized referral based on your goals and experience.
We are committed to providing care in a language you are comfortable with. HAVEN offers interpretation services and can connect you with English language learning resources. In-person and phone interpretation available during clinic visits in Spanish and other languages
- In-person and phone interpretation available during clinic visits in Spanish and other languages
- Referrals to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses offered in the New Haven community
- Translated health education materials available for common conditions
- If you need an interpreter, please let us know when scheduling your appointment by calling (203) 200-0673