Funding for Cold Weather Emergency Shelters

October 10, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Earlier this week, I joined Governor Lamont, State Representative and End Homelessness Caucus Co-chair Laurie Sweet and some other colleagues for a press conference that celebrated the $8 million approved in our state budget for cold weather emergency shelters. As the days grow shorter and cooler, these shelters provide life saving assistance and resources to those in need. This funding is a great start, and I hope to build on this success during the next legislative session and beyond.

My Remarks at the Press Conference

Connecticut just launched its first ever Pizza Trail, celebrating the amazing pizzerias that make our state a true pizza destination.

Click here to check out the full list and plan your own pizza adventure.

This week is Fire Safety Prevention Week, and this year's campaign theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home".

Many of the electronics we use in our homes every day, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode. To reduce these risks, take note of which devices in your home are powered by them and take this week to go over tips to understand how you and your family can safely buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries to ensure you are prepared for an emergency when it happens.

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

For more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.

ICYMI - The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on October 25 from 10 AM - 2 PM. On this day, residents will be able to safely and securely dispose of unused or expired medications. Click here to find a drop-off site near you.

If you are unable to attend on October 25, or if you're looking for convenient disposal options throughout the year, MyOldMeds.com is a valuable resource. They offer a free, easy-to-use locator tool that connects residents to the 354 disposal sites across Connecticut.

Norwalk Recreation and Parks is inviting the community to a nature Walk & Talk on Tuesday, October 14th at 11:00 AM, starting at 165 Fillow Street.

The event will be hosted by Friends of Oak Hills Park and will feature a guided tour by Sarah Cruz, the City’s arborist. The guided walk will include the woodland trails, where Sarah will be identifying plants and trees and pointing out invasive species. She will share best practices on ways to manage them. Check out the flyer below for more information.