Petition: Empower the Homeless Through Community Work and Dignified Income in Waterbury, CT

To: The Mayor of Waterbury, CT
CC: Waterbury City Council, Department of Public Works, Department of Housing and Community Development

Subject: Establish a Community Work and Stipend Program for the Homeless Population of Waterbury

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and concerned citizens of Waterbury, Connecticut, urge the city to implement a Community Empowerment and Work Initiative that provides stipends and housing assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in exchange for voluntary work cleaning and maintaining our city streets, parks, and public spaces.

Purpose:

This program would offer homeless individuals an opportunity to:
 • Earn a modest stipend for performing meaningful work that benefits the community.
 • Reintegrate into the workforce through consistent, purposeful activity.
 • Access transitional housing and support services, with a clear pathway toward permanent housing.

Benefits to Waterbury:
 • Cleaner neighborhoods and public parks, enhancing public health and city pride.
 • Reduced strain on emergency services by addressing root causes of homelessness.
 • Improved dignity and self-worth for participants through purpose-driven work.
 • Economic savings over time compared to the cost of reactive homeless support measures.

Program Structure (Suggested):
 • Participants voluntarily sign up through local shelters or outreach programs.
 • Work may include trash pickup, park beautification, snow shoveling, or basic maintenance.
 • Participants receive a stipend, daily meals, and access to support services (mental health, addiction recovery, job training).
 • After a period of consistent participation, individuals qualify for transitional or permanent housing.

Precedent:

Similar programs in cities such as Albuquerque, NM (“There’s a Better Way”) and Fort Worth, TX have proven successful in reducing visible homelessness, improving public spaces, and rebuilding lives with dignity.

We urge the City of Waterbury to pilot this program as a step toward a more compassionate, clean, and united community. Let’s empower our most vulnerable neighbors and uplift our city together.

Sign below to support the implementation of a Community Work and Stipend Program for the homeless in Waterbury, CT.

[Signature Line / Online Petition Platform