As residents of Litchfield County, CT, we are deeply concerned about the well-being of over 100 unhoused individuals in our community. These individuals are children, families, veterans, employees, tax payers and citizens of our communities. With each passing day, temperatures continue to drop and the health and safety risks for those sleeping outside increase substantially. 

Homelessness is not just a local issue; it's a national crisis. According to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on any given night in 2020, over half a million people experienced homelessness in America. In Connecticut alone, more than 3,000 people were homeless during this period.  This number continues to rise each year due to the lack of affordable housing resources and the cost of living rising exponentially. 

We believe that everyone deserves access to safe shelter - especially during harsh winter months. Therefore, we are calling on local authorities to approve the homeless shelter in Torrington at the Trinity Church.  This is our last and only option, as a team has worked tirelessly to find a solution with no avail.  

This is not just an issue about homelessness; it's about human rights and dignity. By providing shelter for our unhoused neighbors, we can ensure their safety while also taking steps towards addressing larger systemic issues contributing to homelessness.

We urge you - our elected officials - to act swiftly and compassionately by approving this much-needed homeless shelter project in Torrington. Please sign this petition if you agree that everyone deserves access to safe and warm sheltering.