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Community Kitchen:

At Beth-El Center, we understand that a hot meal is more than sustenance; it’s a space that fosters a sense of belonging, where neighbors come together to share stories, experiences and hope.

Our Community Kitchen is open to the public 7 days a week. We provide two nourishing meals daily to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.

If you’re in need of a warm meal, we would love it if you’d consider joining us…

Diversion
Services

Same-Day Support & Walk-In Hours

Beth-El Center’s Diversion Program helps individuals and families explore safe alternatives to entering shelter by identifying solutions, resources, and supports that can resolve a housing crisis whenever possible.

There is no need to call 2-1-1 first.

Beth-El’s Diversion Specialists provide on-site support, complete CAN assessments, and work with households to identify the best path forward. Same-day support is available whenever possible.

The purpose of a Diversion appointment is to understand your current situation, identify barriers to housing stability, and determine whether there are safe alternatives to entering shelter. Financial assistance may be available to help households stabilize and avoid homelessness, including support such as:

  • Landlord or family mediation

  • Relocation assistance

  • Upfront housing-related costs

  • Other problem-solving solutions based on individual needs

During your appointment, our Diversion Team can:

  • Assess your current housing situation and risk of homelessness

  • Complete a housing-focused assessment

  • Have problem-solving conversations to explore safe alternatives

  • Develop a personalized housing plan with next steps

  • Provide referrals and connections to community resources, including employment, behavioral health, childcare, housing programs, and other supports

  • Identify alternative housing options and resources that support a return to permanent housing

  • Connect individuals and families with community partners and services

  • Add individuals and families to the Shelter Waitlist 

If you are an individual or family who currently lives within the Greater New Haven Coordinated Access Network (throughout the Connecticut Shoreline region - Milford through Madison & the Lower Naugatuck Valley) and are currently experiencing one of the following:

  • Homelessness

  • Unsheltered

  • At imminent risk of losing housing

Please meet with one of our Diversion Specialists during Walk-In Hours at Beth-El Center:

Monday–Friday
10:00 AM–2:00 PM

90 New Haven Ave
Milford, CT

If you are unable to meet with us during walk-in hours, please call us directly at (203) 876-0747, and we will work to coordinate the soonest available support option.

James Bethea
Shoreline Diversion Specialist
James supports individuals and families throughout the Shoreline region by providing housing-focused problem solving, resource navigation, and connections to community supports.

Kesha White
Valley Diversion Specialist
Kesha supports individuals and families throughout the Valley region by helping households identify resources, navigate barriers, and explore solutions to maintain or obtain stable housing.

Outreach & Engagement

The Outreach and Engagement Program provides supportive, community-based case management to help individuals navigate the emergency shelter system and access basic needs. This program focuses on supporting community members who are unhoused and living in places not meant for human habitation.

Through skilled, trauma-informed interventions grounded in kindness and respect, we build trusting relationships and work alongside individuals toward stability and permanent housing solutions.

Individuals experiencing homelessness who need assistance navigating shelter or housing options are welcome to meet with our Outreach Navigator, Jason Blakeman, at:

The Milford Public Library

Thursdays
12PM-2PM

Appointments are not required.

For more information, please contact the Center’s Outreach Navigator, Jason Blakeman at (475) 321-6657.

Cooling Center

The Beth-El Center activates our Cooling Center intermittently throughout the hot summer months.

During especially hot days, we turn our Community Kitchen into a refuge to escape the heat, providing anyone who walks through our doors with a cold beverage, snacks, and a place to cool off.

If there is an approaching heat wave, please check our social media pages (Instagram and Facebook), along with our website to find out more information about Cooling Center Hours and Days.

Hygiene Hub (Shower)

Our Hygiene Hub provides essential hygiene products to ANYONE in need within our community. This effort plays a crucial role in promoting health, dignity, and well-being for individuals who may be facing challenges in accessing these basic necessities.

Our Shower Program is an important part of our Hygiene Hub and operates daily from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. It is open to anyone who needs it. We allow community members to sign up in advance for showers by calling the Center at (203) 876-0747. Towels and toiletries are provided.

If you are in need of a warm shower, please call to make an appointment in advance or stop by the Center at 90 New Haven Ave in Milford and make an appointment at our front desk!

Reach out with any questions: