Connecticut Advocates Demand Funding, Policy Changes as Homelessness Rises

Advocates call for $124 million in additional funding and major policy shifts to address growing homelessness crisis in the state.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Advocates serving Connecticut's homeless population are urging state lawmakers to provide an additional $124 million in funding and enact major policy changes to address a 44% increase in homelessness across the state over the past year. The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) says the funding is needed for rapid response units, shelter space and staffing, and rental assistance programs, as well as new laws to protect students experiencing homelessness and bar police from arresting those sleeping outdoors.

Why it matters

Connecticut's homelessness crisis has worsened significantly, with CCEH estimating over 8,100 people experienced homelessness in 2022, a 44% jump from the prior year. Advocates say the main drivers are evictions by out-of-state landlords raising rents, as well as a growing population of older adults without stable housing. With dangerous winter weather conditions, the advocates argue urgent action and funding is needed to save lives and provide essential services.

The details

The CCEH is seeking an additional $10 million for rapid response units, $31.6 million for shelter space and staffing, and $82.3 million for rental assistance programs. They are also pushing for changes in state law, such as protecting students experiencing homelessness by allowing them to remain enrolled in their school of origin, and establishing standard weather protocols for extreme heat and cold. A key priority is barring local police from arresting people who are sleeping outside, which advocates call "criminalized homelessness."

  • CCEH estimates 8,172 people in Connecticut experienced homelessness last year, a jump of 44% from 2021.
  • The coalition said roughly 35% were unsheltered, meaning they lived outside.
  • CCEH is aware of at least 20 people who have died because of cold temperatures so far this winter.

The players

Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH)

A coalition of advocates serving Connecticut's homeless population that is calling for major funding increases and policy changes to address the state's growing homelessness crisis.

Sarah Fox

CEO of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

Rep. Antonio Felipe

A Democratic state representative from Bridgeport who organized the End Homelessness Caucus last year.

Rep. Elani Kavros DeGraw

A Democratic state representative from Avon who criticized Governor Lamont's response to the homelessness crisis.

Sen. Ryan Fazio

A Republican state senator from Greenwich and member of the Planning and Development Committee who argued the solution is addressing Connecticut's high cost of living.

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What they’re saying

“This is simply not weather; this is a public health emergency.”

— Sarah Fox, CEO, Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (nbcconnecticut.com)

“This is a statement of need. This is what we need to make sure that people are OK here in the state of Connecticut.”

— Rep. Antonio Felipe, State Representative, Bridgeport (nbcconnecticut.com)

“I am not sure what it is going to take for the executive branch to hear us when we say 'not one more, not one more'.”

— Rep. Elani Kavros DeGraw, State Representative, Avon (nbcconnecticut.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers at the press conference said one of the biggest hurdles has been convincing Governor Ned Lamont to provide the necessary funding and support to address the homelessness crisis. The coalition is hopeful the legislature will approve their funding requests and policy changes in the upcoming session.

The takeaway

Connecticut's homelessness problem has reached a critical point, with a 44% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness over the past year. Advocates are demanding urgent action and significant new funding from state lawmakers to expand shelter capacity, rental assistance, and other essential services to help those in need, as well as policy changes to protect the rights of the homeless population.