Emergency Funding Plan for Homelessness
The state plans to use the $500 Million Emergency Response Fund approved by the legislature during November's special session to combat homelessness. According to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, one in every 1,000 state residents is experiencing homelessness. The federal government has suspended its primary homelessness prevention and support services grant program, exacerbating the issue.
In response, plans are under development to support providers, who typically receive funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program, to continue homelessness prevention and support services. The state will consider using at least $5.2 million to offset the losses from the fed’s Continuum of Care program. The aim is to help those who do not have a home and prevent others from falling into the same situation.
Governor Lamont will submit his plan soon, and legislative leaders will have 24 hours to respond. I will keep you posted on any developments.