Urgent Need to Help the Homeless

January 13, 2025
I joined advocates and some of my fellow lawmakers in urging Governor Ned Lamont to dedicate $33.5 million in the state budget to help with the homeless crisis. This investment would not only help our most vulnerable move quickly into housing but also prevent others from falling into homelessness.
Even though shelters are overflowing, more people are living in their cars or sleeping on the street. We are also seeing a sharp increase in the number of people who are unhoused for the first time. Inflation is one of the major factors behind a 13% increase in homelessness in our state from 2023 to 2024. As you’ll hear in the video below, that number could be much larger.
We need to find a moral compass for our state and help our most vulnerable.
We need to invest valuable resources for prevention, recognizing that early intervention is key to breaking the cycle of housing instability. This includes robust legal and social services for individuals and families at risk of eviction, ensuring they have the support and advocacy needed to remain in their homes. This investment is both a moral imperative and a smart policy choice for a more equitable and compassionate society with necessary housing for everyone.
My colleagues are determined to secure
funding to eliminate our housing crisis.
It’s nearly impossible to become the person you want to be when you’re facing the daily struggles of homelessness. We have an opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most, helping to restore dignity, hope, and the chance to thrive.