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We have been sharing these digests for several years to lift up the ongoing work of the CT CAN End Homelessness campaign. Now, nearly three years after its launch, we can pause to recognize just how far we’ve come and to appreciate what becomes possible when we work together to prevent and solve homelessness in every one of our communities.
We are operating in an especially challenging moment for our field. Shifts in the federal landscape including proposed restrictions and funding caps that could undermine decades of evidence-based progress have created deep uncertainty. Yet through it all, you continue to show what leadership, collaboration, and compassion look like in practice. Every day, across all 169 towns, your work prevents and solves homelessness, one person and one partnership at a time.
Amidst these challenges, there are important reasons for hope and pride.
One such milestone is the official launch of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, the result of years of shared advocacy to align our state agencies and systems around the belief that housing is the foundation for health, safety, and opportunity. I am honored to serve on this Council as a representative of the Homeless Response System, alongside Kellyann Day of New Reach and Carmen Colon of Pacific House. We extend our gratitude to Governor Lamont, Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno, and all the state leaders and legislators who helped make this a reality. Together, with the Homeless and Housing System Reboot Steering Committee, we will work to ensure that Connecticut can truly prevent and solve homelessness across all systems of care.
This announcement comes as new Point-in-Time data reminds us of the work still ahead. Between 2024 and 2025, overall homelessness increased by 9.5%, and unsheltered homelessness rose by a staggering 45%. These numbers represent people, families, older adults, veterans, and youth, whose lives depend on our continued persistence and advocacy. But we are also seeing signs of progress: investments in CAN Hubs, expanded outreach efforts, and strengthened prevention supports for families with children are making measurable differences on the ground. These results show what’s possible when leadership, alignment, and community commitment come together to prevent and solve homelessness at its root.
Just this week, as the first frost of the season arrived, Governor Lamont reaffirmed the State’s commitment to homeless services, including $3.5 million for CAN Hubs and $4.5 million in Cold Weather funding secured during the last legislative session. This funding will help ensure that everyone can come inside this winter and that our frontline providers have the resources they need to respond swiftly and safely.
I am also excited to share two major technical assistance efforts now underway:
- The Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC), led by Alicia Woodsby, is partnering with Opening Doors Fairfield County, HUD TA, and the Balance of State CoC to strengthen collaboration between the behavioral health and homelessness systems.
- Abt Global has launched HUD Technical Assistance initiative focused on the governance of the Coordinated Access Networks. Together with our CoCs, this work will help refine our structure, clarify roles, and ensure we continue to evolve toward a coordinated, accountable, and effective system that prevents and solves homelessness statewide.
These are no small achievements. They reflect your steady commitment, creativity, and courage to lead through uncertainty. The road ahead will not be easy, but our shared purpose has never been clearer: to prevent and solve homelessness across Connecticut and to ensure that housing is recognized and protected as a basic human right.
Thank you for your partnership, your leadership, and your relentless belief in what’s possible when we act together.
With gratitude and resolve,
Sarah Fox
Chief Executive Officer
Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
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