Housing Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-86
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE SYSTEM TO
ALLOCATE RESOURCES FOR THE HOMELESS AND TO PREVENT
Title: HOMELESSNESS.
Vote Date: 3/11/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Change of Reference to Appropriations
PH Date: 2/18/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Sen. Anwar- 3rd District
REASONS FOR BILL:
Coordinated access networks (CANs) and the 2-1-1 Infoline program have been integral
parts of Connecticut's statewide goal of eliminated homelessness. Continued funding of these
organizations and programs provides stability and longevity to their efforts.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Stated.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Sarah Fox- Director of Policy at the CT Coalition to End Homelessness- SUPPORTS
stating the additional $2.3 million a year in funds for the CANs. Currently, CANs are funded
largely through philanthropic efforts: by providing stable funding CANs can continue to
provide effective and efficient support to their customers.
Sean Ghio- Policy Director for the Partnership for Strong Communities- SUPPORTS stating
the $2.3 million in annual funding helps support the work that CANs do. A lack of funding
would lead to forced layoffs and gaps in service.
Deb Polun- Executive Director for the Connecticut Association for Community Action-
SUPPORTS stating community action agencies connect residents with essential programs,
saving lives. The state's coordinated efforts have been working: sheltered and unsheltered
residents experiencing homelessness has dropped 35% from 2007 to January 2020. CANs
have been effective partners in working towards ending homelessness in the state and
should continue to receive support.
Dr. Gina Rosich, PhD, MSW- National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Chapter-
SUPPORTS stating CANs require proper financial support. In 2019, 72,021 calls were
made resulting in 28,494 CAN appointments for shelter. In 2020, however, 5,301 more calls
were made, but 2,720 fewer appointments were scheduled. This trend is particularly troubling
given the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christie Steward- Fairfield County's Center for Housing Opportunity- SUPPORTS stating
funding for CANs is crucial for the statewide goal of ending homelessness. Without consistent
support, the CANs would be forced to layoff employees leading to gaps in service.
Jay Williams- President of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving- SUPPORTS stating
CANs provide data-driven solutions and services. Continued funding is necessary to support
their effective and efficient distribution of services.
Charmain Yun- SUPPORTS stating the state continues to need affordable and accessible
housing options.
The following SUPPORT SB 86 stating CANs have been effective partners in providing a
"front end" to the homeless response system. They have worked to improve effectiveness
and transparency in providing support services. The long-term health of the system requires
continued investment:
Kelly Fitzgerald- United Way of New Haven
Matthew Morgan- Journey Home
Jaime Parker- TVCCA
Catherine Zall- New London Homeless Hospitality Center
David Rich- Supportive Housing Works
Felicity Eles- New Opportunities
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Rob Jackson- OPPOSES stating the funds should be spent on rental assistance for
tenants.
Reported by: Gabriel Turco Date: 3/29/21
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