Danbury City Council members have received a few emails from residents about the homeless population being sheltered at the Super 8 motel on Lake Avenue.  During the Council meeting earlier this month, then-Mayor Mark Boughton said he's also seen the email about 500 emergency calls to the hotel.  He says it's been proven wrong.   The email alleges that was for police and medical response. 

Boughton urged Councilmembers to be careful with what they hear.  Some people feel this will create a regional center, but Boughton says the City was providing 70 beds for the homeless at 4 shelters.

There are 80 beds approved for use at the motel, but with two people per room and some rooms set aside for COVID compliance and isolation. 

Danbury is not part of the negotiations between the Super 8 motel and Pacific House, a non-profit organization that provides wrap-around services for the homeless.  But Boughton supports the proposal.  He says it will be better to have one shelter than four.  He also notes that there will be better access to services and Pacific House will be able to bring this populations more resources than the City ever could.  Having outside organizations provide services and housing is the model now being implemented across the country.

44 homeless individuals are currently being sheltered at the motel.  59 have been housed since March.  Everyone on the wait list has been contacted and is in the process of being brought to the motel.