This Thanksgiving, all of us at the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness want to pause and say thank you.

We are in a pivotal moment. Homelessness is rising in Connecticut, federal threats to permanent housing are unlike anything we have seen in decades, and too many of our neighbors living one crisis away from losing their home.

At the same time, we are seeing real leadership from across our state that makes one thing clear: basic necessities like food and housing should never be treated as bargaining chips. They are essentials that every person needs to live with dignity.

We are deeply grateful for you, our providers, partners, people with lived experience, advocates, funders, community members, and state leaders, who are working every day to protect those essentials. From staff in shelters and outreach teams, to those running regional and statewide coordination meetings, to leaders at the Capitol stepping up to safeguard permanent housing and keep our system strong, your work is making sure children and older adults are not left behind in the middle of federal dysfunction.

Because of your commitment, more children will sleep in a bed they can call their own, and more older adults will have a safe, stable home instead of a shelter cot or the street. You are proving that in Connecticut, we take care of our own and that when federal decisions put people at risk, our communities come together to keep our neighbors safe.

This holiday season, we wish you and your loved ones rest, safety, and moments of real peace. Thank you for all you do, and for standing with us in this work.

With gratitude,

The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness