In this season of joy, let's not forget the homeless.

Over the last several weeks there has been several announcements relating to Homelessness here in Danbury.

In my State of the City speech, I indicated that we would be taking a new approach to the operation of our homeless shelter. I am proud of the work that is done by our staff there, but the sad fact is that we continue to serve the same population over and over again.

So what is the answer? I believe that we have to work with our chronically homeless population to help them re-integrate back in to society. We need to develop a strategy that encourages self improvement, success, and restores confidence back to our clients.

Since most of the chronically homeless face mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and other challenges, part of our work at the homeless shelter will be to encourage clients to get the help that they need, so that can take that first tentative step towards independence.

I have met with Caitlan Randano our Director of Welfare, and we are in the process of drafting policies that will help our residents do just that. We will present our new guidelines to staff at the shelter first, then release the plan to the public at large.

Secondly, HUD gave us a tremendous Christmas present by increasing our funding of homelessness initiatives 29%. After receiving a congratulatory call from HUD officials, they cited the innovative and creative steps that Danbury has taken in addressing homelessness. They were particularly impressed with our Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. Good news for some of our most challenged residents..

All the Best,
Mayor Mark