What is a Peer-Run Respite? A peer-run respite is a voluntary, non-clinical alternative operated by people with lived experience, emphasizing mutual support, autonomy, and recovery-oriented values. A respite run by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is typically a short-term, clinically supported setting within the state mental health system. Often guided by professional staff and medical oversight. While both offer a break from crisis, peer respites focus on shared understanding and choice, rather than treatment or clinical intervention.
The Gloria House is a 4 Bedroom residential peer respite home located in New Britain, CT. The house is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – by peers who identify as having direct lived experience with mental health, addiction and/ or trauma. The Gloria House offers voluntarily, short-term respite services as an alternative to traditional psychiatric stays.
Currently, there is only one peer-run respite in Connecticut, though there is growing momentum to expand these services. Peer advocates and allies from across the state have been actively raising awareness and pushing for additional respites during public hearings at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. We remain hopeful as these efforts continue. Updates will be shared here throughout the 2027 legislative session. For more information on respites, advocacy, or ways to get involved, please visit our Contact Us page.
