Norwalk Local Assistance Programs

This page lists local organizations in Norwalk, Connecticut that provide free legal help, food and social services. Statewide programs are described on the Connecticut page.

Legal aid

Connecticut Legal Services is Connecticut’s largest legal aid agency. It provides free civil legal help to low-income people facing issues such as eviction, loss of benefits, and domestic violence. Its Stamford office is the nearest office to Norwalk.¹

Statewide Legal Services is the intake line for Connecticut’s legal aid network. It screens callers for eligibility, gives free legal advice by phone, and refers cases to a local legal aid office or a volunteer lawyer.²

Food

Person to Person runs a food pantry at its Norwalk site for residents of Norwalk, Weston, Westport, Wilton, Darien, New Canaan, and Stamford with income below 235% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call to make an appointment. It offers emergency financial help of up to $1,000 for rent, security deposits, and utility payments.³

Open Doors runs a grocery pantry five days a week at the Smilow Life Center on Chestnut Street, and serves hot meals every day at its kitchen at 4 Merritt Street. Complete an intake form to set up a pantry appointment.⁴

Social services

Family & Children’s Agency is a nonprofit human service organization in Norwalk. It provides counseling, adoption, parent education, behavioral health care, and senior support services.⁵

Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now is the community action agency for the greater Norwalk area. It helps low-income families with emergency food, clothing, shelter, energy assistance, and Head Start early learning programs.⁶