CONNECTICUT, USA — It has been an ongoing conversation among state officials and the issue of homelessness continues to plague the streets.
With the winter season just starting, Gov. Ned Lamont announced initiatives on Friday that include prevention and response efforts.
"Homelessness is more than a roof over your head," said Lamont.
To have a home is to have stability, but according to the CT Coalition to End Homelessness, there are more than 3,000 individuals, including 500 children who do not have a home.
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Sarah Fox, the CEO of CCEH was once homeless herself and knows the struggle all too well.
"Together we can make sure every child, every mom, every grandparent, every family member can come home and have a safe, stable place to live across the state," said Fox.
Statewide agencies will be working collaboratively as a task force to ensure Connecticut is not one of the states to fall behind on this national emergency.
"Look at California and New York and Oregon, I see places where they did not get ahead of what is a human rights tragedy. We’re trying to stay ahead of it the best we can and that’s what this task force is all about," added Lamont.
The Friendship Service Center in New Britain, formerly a mini-mart was opened in February of last year with funding made possible through the state Department of Housing.
It is a place where everyone can walk in, stay and get help one-on-one with case managers.
On average, the executive director of the center said up to 50 people are seen walking through the doors.
"There’s showers and laundry here. We have snacks for people who are coming in hungry, we’re able to give them meals, we have an entire clothing closet thanks to the generosity of the community," said Caitlin Rose, executive director of the Friendship Service Center.
While resources and supportive housing have always been available throughout the state, agencies found the homeless do not always know it is there or how to access it.
This task force, moving forward, can make those tools easier and more transparent.
Just two weeks ago, the state Department of Housing announced that $45.8 million was allocated to provide more support for rental assistance and homeless shelters.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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