Our neighbors need us, and with the increased violence against the unhoused communities, they need us now more than ever. You can learn more about the struggles this population faces in our past issue shared by contributor Jocelyn Ault, Homelessness. Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20th, you are invited by Jennifer Paradis, Executive Director of Beth-El Center, Inc., to join her in Bridgeport for a press conference. You can find more details below.
Press Conference Details:Join us for a press conference on Tuesday, October 20, at 10:30 AM in Bridgeport, in response to the deeply disturbing acts of violence recently committed against people experiencing homelessness in Milford and Bridgeport.Over the past several weeks, residents of an encampment community in Milford have experienced repeated physical attacks, threats, and intimidation, including rocks and fireworks being thrown into their homes and hateful imagery, including swastikas, appearing near the encampment. Just this week, a 22-year-old young man was critically injured after being struck in the head with a rock while sleeping outside in Bridgeport.These incidents are horrifying and demand an immediate, unified response. No person, regardless of housing status, should have to live in fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation. Every member of our community deserves safety, dignity, and protection.Through CT CAN End Homelessness, we are joining service providers, advocates, community leaders, and our neighbors with lived experience of homelessness to publicly condemn these attacks, stand in solidarity with those impacted, and call for a coordinated response that prioritizes their immediate safety.At Beth-El Center, we recognize that these incidents are not only a matter of immediate public safety but also a stark reminder of the vulnerability people face when they have no safe place to call home. Our response must include both the immediate protection of our unhoused neighbors and a continued commitment to expanding access to emergency shelter, permanent housing, and the supportive services necessary to prevent and end homelessness.
