The latest bitter cold snap has caused homeless shelters to fill up. The Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury serves 80-120 hot meals each afternoon and provides shelter to 16 people each night. Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness executive Director Lisa Tepper Bates says the shelters do not have the capacity to house everyone looking for shelter under normal circumstances.
Tepper-Bates says there are some who refuse, but many homeless people want to go indoors when the weather turns as cold as it has.
The Danbury Emergency Shelter has 20 beds for people over age 18, 5 for women, 5 dedicated to homeless veterans and 10 beds for males. The Day Center also provides services from laundry, showers and mail access to job searches and clothing vouchers.
Danbury's Housing Caseworkers reported to the City Council this month that they managed approximately 54 active cases in December. The Day Center, located at the Emergency Shelter, had approximately 601 visits from homeless individuals or those at risk of becoming homeless.
