Help for people living with

Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions and Homelessness

CHESS (Connecticut Housing Engagement and Support Services)

Important Notice: Please be advised that Housing Vouchers are not available for CHESS program applicants.

CHESS is a new program for people with multiple chronic medical conditions, including substance abuse disorder, who have also experienced homelessness or been unstably housed. CHESS provides priority access to housing vouchers, as available, through the Department of Housing and support services through Medicaid.

This is a joint state and federal initiative aimed at managing the difficulties that are often part of homelessness, including access to health care and handling chronic health issues. The goal of CHESS is to promote health and well-being by moving people into stable housing.

How to Apply

You can apply online or call: 2-1-1 to connect with a CAN to apply over the phone.

An Intensive Case Manager (ICM) from Beacon will contact you to set up an assessment. The ICM will walk you through the rest of the process.

Eligibility for CHESS

To participate in CHESS, a person must be 18 years old or older and be eligible for Medicaid. In addition, CHESS eligibility is determined by:

A person’s multiple chronic medical conditions, including substance use disorder
Having experienced homelessness or been unstably housed
At risk of homelessness (unless on CHESS already)
Behavioral health diagnosis
At least 2 critical needs*

*Critical needs are defined as the need for assistance or with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), like bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, meal prep, etc.

Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions and Homelessness

CHESS (Connecticut Housing Engagement and Support Services)

How to Apply

Eligibility for CHESS

Not sure if you should apply? Still have questions?