FUSE - Frequent Users’ Service Enhancement Program

Through a partnership between the CT Coalition to End Homelessness, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the CT Department of Correction, the CT Judicial Branch’s Court Support Services Division, Connecticut has a supportive housing program for persons who move frequently between jails and homeless shelters.  CCEH’s role is to identify people who frequently use services in both jails and shelters, using data from DOC and comparing this to client’s homelessness records.

The Frequent User Service Enhancement program (FUSE) has successfully housed at least 18 individuals, who have experienced extensive homelessness and repeated incarcerations, in affordable apartments linked with support services. Supportive housing service providers in Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford have partnered with CCEH and local shelters to connect with individuals who have been identified as FUSE-eligible (based on length of homelessness and number of past incarcerations). Built on a successful pilot program, a preliminary evaluation of Connecticut’s FUSE participants indicates that:

• The average participant is a 44 year old male
• One-quarter have experienced five or more  years of homelessness
• Participants average 13 arrests and 93 months of incarceration

Apartments in the community are paid for through HUD subsidies allocated to local Housing Authorities or state rental assistance certificates.  The services will include the usual supportive housing services (e.g., assistance with applications for subsidies, identification of appropriate housing, move-in, and connection to treatment services), but also many services that are not typically available in supportive housing programs such as rehabilitation to teach people how to live independently (e.g., household management, food, and budgeting); development of social support systems that encourage recovery; and use of evidence-based wellness recovery services.