Connecticut officials are grappling with a troubling situation as advocates report that over a dozen individuals have likely died from exposure to extreme cold weather in recent months. The state’s homelessness crisis has escalated, with a reported increase of 45% in the unhoused population. With shelters overflowing and resources dwindling, advocates are calling for immediate intervention to address the dire needs of those without homes.
“The homeless response system was never built to respond to the level of need we are facing today,” stated Sarah Fox, chief executive officer of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. She emphasized the urgent requirement for more housing and support resources to meet growing demand. According to the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, from November 1 to December 29, 2023, there were 15 deaths attributed to cold weather, with at least five individuals confirmed to be experiencing homelessness.
The challenge is exacerbated by a severe shortage of affordable housing options. Fox noted that many individuals are remaining in shelters for extended periods due to the lack of available housing. “We are desperately in need of housing to meet every level of income,” she added. The state’s legislative efforts to address this crisis have faced setbacks. A recent housing bill that aimed to bolster housing availability was vetoed by Gov. Ned Lamont, although a revised version was eventually passed. Critics argue that the new measures are insufficient to provide immediate relief.
State Representative Jillian Gilchrest expressed her concerns regarding the limitations of the recent legislation. “There are certain elements where we are trying to make large inroads and we experience these setbacks,” she remarked. The consequences of the ongoing crisis are severe; people are suffering, and lives are at stake.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Connecticut reports 3,735 individuals are currently unhoused. With shelters and soup kitchens at capacity, the Coalition to End Homelessness indicates that they are forced to turn away 1 in 5 people seeking assistance. Matthew Morgan, executive director of Journey Home, articulated that the homeless service system is overwhelmed. “We have 20% of what we need to make that flow happen,” he noted, referring to the lack of housing and resources to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
The situation is compounded by lengthy wait times for services. Jennifer Paradis, executive director of the Beth-El Center in Milford, described the challenges faced by those seeking shelter. “It can take several months to get into shelter,” she explained. The process is complicated further by insufficient affordable housing options and a lack of subsidies to compete in the private housing market.
Long-term trends reveal that many individuals seeking help are older and facing severe health challenges. Paradis, who has worked in the field for two decades, remarked, “This is the worst I have seen.” She pointed to a systematic disinvestment in services as part of the problem, noting the increasing number of unsheltered individuals.
State Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw highlighted the issue of transitional housing, stating that many individuals are working multiple jobs while staying in shelters. Despite the allocation of $4.5 million by Gov. Lamont for cold weather emergency shelters this year, DeGraw insists that funding levels remain inadequate. “We have to be able to fund appropriately places that will get people off the street,” she said.
Advocates are calling for comprehensive solutions to address the multifaceted nature of homelessness. They stress the importance of prevention measures, increased housing availability, and wraparound services. Fox advocates for greater interagency collaboration and increased flexibility in funding to meet regional needs. She also noted the necessity for municipalities to take more responsibility in addressing homelessness.
Legislators have begun to explore potential solutions, including a recent tour of the 211 center, which serves as a crucial resource for individuals facing homelessness. Lisa Tepper Bates, president and CEO of United Way of Connecticut 211, emphasized that while 211 is an important component of the system, there remains a critical need for better overall resourcing. “We are not facing what we are facing today: unacceptably high numbers of people going without shelter,” she said.
The path forward remains complex, as advocates and legislators alike recognize that there is no single solution to the issue of homelessness. They call for a coordinated approach that encompasses affordable housing strategies, fair rent commissions, and additional support for individuals on the verge of losing their homes.
Rep. Jay Case, a Republican representative from Litchfield County, suggested that the state should focus on sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes. “We need the stability of housing,” he asserted.
Gov. Lamont has committed $6.9 million from a special reserve fund aimed at mitigating funding losses for federally subsidized housing resources and case management. As the situation in Connecticut continues to evolve, the urgency for comprehensive action to address homelessness and prevent further loss of life has never been clearer.
