Bringing Local Voices to the Table
On August 25, 2026, Project HOPE welcomed U.S. Representative Joe Courtney and regional housing advocates from Always Home and the Eastern Coordinated Access Network (CAN) for a conversation about strengthening our region’s response to homelessness.
The discussion focused on the interconnected challenges facing people who are experiencing homelessness or struggling to remain housed—and the challenges organizations face in providing help across eastern Connecticut.
Project HOPE staff and our regional partners shared what they are seeing on the ground, including:
- The growing need for affordable housing. Rising housing and living costs, coupled with a severe shortage of affordable homes, are pushing more individuals and families toward housing instability.
- The challenges of serving a rural region. Providing emergency shelter, outreach, and coordinated services across eastern Connecticut can be especially challenging when communities and resources are spread across a large geographic area.
- The importance of federal resources. We discussed opportunities to make the most of federal funding and programs that can strengthen the region’s homelessness response and provide a more effective safety net.
- The need for a continuum of support. Emergency shelter is essential, but it is only one part of the solution. People also need homelessness prevention, transitional support, rental assistance, and access to permanent affordable housing.
The meeting gave Project HOPE and our regional partners an opportunity to share the realities we see every day with a member of Congress and to discuss how federal resources can better support local efforts.
We are grateful to Rep. Courtney for taking the time to hear the concerns of local providers and advocates. Conversations like this help bring the needs of our community to the broader policy discussion—and strengthen the connections we need to continue working together on behalf of people experiencing homelessness.
