Rising Need and Shrinking Federal Support Squeeze Homeless Service Providers
At Project HOPE of Eastern Connecticut, we are seeing first-hand how rising homelessness and unstable federal funding are placing unprecedented strain on homeless services providers and the people who turn to us for help.
As housing costs continue to rise, more people are coming to us in crisis. Our guests are staying longer because affordable units — especially those near public transportation — remain scarce. We are also seeing more guests with complex needs, including significant health issues, untreated mental illness and substance use disorders. Addressing these challenges requires greater time, deeper coordination, and increased support from staff and volunteers.
In response, Project HOPE has transitioned to 24/7/365 operations. This change was essential to ensure vulnerable adults in our region have access to shelter, support, and basic needs. This change has significantly increased our operating costs, including:
- round-the-clock staffing, 365 days a year
- year-round facility, utility and maintenance expenses
- personal and hygiene supplies for guests throughout the year
While fundamental and necessary, this change came at a time when our funding landscape is becoming less stable. Connecticut’s homelessness response system relies heavily on federal support that has grown less predictable. As federal grants become scarce, organizations like ours must rely more on private philanthropy and short-term state allocations to maintain essential services.
The Impact on Project HOPE
Year-round, 24/7 operations, heightened demand, and unreliable funding means we must rely more on private support from the individuals, organizations, businesses, foundations and faith organizations in our community. We need your help now more than ever. Please give generously if you can.
Our mission remains clear: to ensure that every person who walks through our doors finds shelter, safety, dignity, and a path forward. Our ultimate goal is to connect every guest to safe, stable, affordable housing.
