About Hands On Hartford

Hands On Hartford, in partnership with others, strengthens community in Hartford by responding faithfully to people in need through programs that change lives and renew human possibility.
Hands On Hartford is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Hartford by providing a range of services that address basic needs and promote long-term stability.


We offer safe and affordable housing with comprehensive supportive services for individuals with complex health issues through our Supportive Housing program. We ensure access to nutritious food through our MANNA Food Access Programs, which includes a Community Pantry and Backpack Nutrition Program.
For those facing housing instability, our Homeless Prevention program offers advocacy, financial assistance, and referrals to help individuals remain in their homes. Our Day Program serves as a drop-in resource center, offering referrals, shelter and housing connections, and health screenings in a welcoming environment.
We actively engage with those experiencing homelessness through our Homeless Outreach team, which helps individuals living outdoors access the services and resources they need. Additionally, our Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau brings awareness to homelessness by sharing real-life experiences, inspiring change and education in the community.
To support local food entrepreneurs, our Shared Use Kitchen offers a licensed commercial kitchen space for small businesses to grow their operations. And, at Gather55, our participation model restaurant, we welcome everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, creating a community where food and connection are always accessible.
Together, these programs help create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community for all.
Hands On Hartford is supported by congregations from many different religions and denominations, civic organizations, government, corporate and foundation grants, individual donations and more than 1,400 dedicated volunteers each year.
Our History
Hands On Hartford was founded as Center City Churches in 1969. The agency was founded by the members of eight congregations in downtown Hartford to help their congregants put their faith into action, and in 2006 became a non-religiously affiliated agency and adopted its current name. Over the years, the agency created Connecticut’s first supportive housing program for people living with AIDS; Hartford’s first group home for adults who are mentally ill; Hartford’s first soup kitchen; Hartford’s first fuel assistance program for the working poor; Connecticut’s first weekend senior nutrition program; and Hartford’s most comprehensive after-school tutoring and arts education program for elementary school children. Our current programs are described HERE.