In Stratford alone, 1,103 people called 211 last year because they were in a housing crisis.
More than one in four did not find solutions for the sheltering they needed.
Across Connecticut, 150 of our neighbors died as a direct result of homelessness.
Each year we see startling increases in our community experiencing homelessness- “why?’
Homelessness is rising — and the primary driver is not addiction or mental illness. Research consistently shows the strongest predictor is the cost of housing.
In Stratford, a worker must earn $37.83/hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. That is far beyond what essential workers earn, including first-year teachers at $24–33 per hour. Couch surfing, doubled-up households, and families quietly moving from place to place are largely invisible. Our senior neighbors are among the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness— often quietly moving into their cars. Those we see on the streets are only a small portion of neighbors we need to be concerned about. For many, the margin is razor thin— one medical bill, one car repair, one layoff, one rent increase—and the balance tips.
Behind every statistic is a story. Stratford’s Superintendent, Heather Borges, shared that high school students of a family living in a shelter were working jobs that interfered with their schooling— to help the household survive. When community partners stepped in to offer support, it allowed these students to return to being students. As she reflected, “For a student, everything may be falling apart around you, but your school can be the one consistent thing in your life.” Community coming together provides solutions along with seeds of hope.
The good news: prevention works — and costs less than crisis responses.
Meeting immediate needs of food and health care resources, warming centers, rental assistance, supportive housing, zoning reform, and building more affordable homes are practical, proven strategies. When we come together we find amazing ways to, “Love our neighbors as ourselves.” Feel free to talk to anyone on the Social Justice Team to learn more. We also have information that includes resources available you may not know about.
Join the Community Homelessness Conversations at the First Congregational Church, 2301 Main Street, Stratford, and invite others to come as well. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month | 5:00–6:30 pm (e.g. 3/31, 4/28). All are welcome. No expertise required — only a willingness to be part of solutions. We are joined by experts in the field who see the needs and the gaps and will help us to do more together.
