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Explore answers to common queries about our services for quick solutions and insights.
Local community organizations, agencies, and individuals have been watching the growing problem of homelessness and housing insecurity in Cheshire. While there are other groups that address the basic needs of food and clothing, there was no formal organization focusing on shelter. Hope for Our Neighbors (HFON) was created to serve as an umbrella to coordinate efforts and raise funding to assist our residents who need and deserve to have safe and stable place to reside.
Having no permanent living arrangement, no fixed place of residence. This means limited or no access to basic facilities for protection from the elements or from harm, personal hygiene (including toilets, showers, sinks), food storage or prep, or basic medical care.
Those experiencing housing insecurity have a place to stay but are at risk of becoming homeless. Housing insecurity can be caused by insufficient or reduced income, domestic endangerment, unexpected emergencies, mental or physical health issues, having recently exited an institution, or other extenuating factors.
Yes. There have been a few visible cases of homeless individuals in Cheshire, but there are an increasing number of unhoused individuals who may not have caught the public eye. Housing insecurity is also growing in our community, and intervention is a key to prevent future homelessness.
For help, call 211 to reach Infoline, Connecticut's 24-hour information referral and crisis intervention service. Information and referrals are available from professional case workers for emergency housing and shelter, affordable housing, and rental and homeowners assistance. The Cheshire Human Services Department also provides referrals and direct temporary emergency assistance if eligible, often in collaboration with the faith-based community. HFON works with local programs and organizations to assist individuals in accessing the help they need.
If you see someone who appears to be sleeping outside, in the woods or near a business or facility, call the Cheshire Police Department at 203 271-5500. Officers will conduct a safety check and notify Human Services for follow up assistance and referrals. Do not visit their sleeping site. Unfortunately, individuals cannot be forced to accept assistance; this is a complex issue that can not always be resolved. However, if an individual is threatening the safety of others (or themselves), call 911.
No, there is no local shelter in Cheshire. Our residents are served by shelters in surrounding towns. Call 211 for information on nearby shelters and availability.
Coordinate with local community partners who can directly assist or appropriately refer those in need to critical resources. Connect with agencies who can identify circumstances where intervention can prevent homelessness. Provide cold weather kits for those who are temporarily living outdoors. Offer direct financial assistance to housed individuals or families in imminent danger of homelessness. Educate the public on these issues, the causes, and solutions. Support the agencies and organizations that offer assistance with housing, financial counseling, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and domestic abuse protection. Work with elected officials on legislation and funding to combat the multiple causes of these complex problems. Continue to monitor legislation, studies, data and new programs regarding homelessness and housing insecurity to ensure we remain effective.
HFON has already established an operating fund to cover the costs of sustaining a non-profit organization with generous funding from Lights of Hope and Cheshire Interfaith Housing. Board members are volunteers. All donations will be used to assist individuals and families or the agencies and groups who are directly addressing homelessness and housing insecurity, including:
- Purchasing critical supplies such as sleeping bags and raingear for those without shelter
- Covering costs for temporary shelter
- Preventing homelessness through direct financial assistance with utility shut-offs, unexpected mechanical or structural failures, or loss of income, to prevent eviction or foreclosure
- Educating the public and promoting referrals to and collaboration with agencies which can provide further assistance with counseling, training, protection, and basic needs.
Contact HFON at https://hfon.org/contact/ to see how your skills and abilities can help us or other local agencies and organizations ensure the housing safety of those in our community.
Call 211, or contact Cheshire Human Services at 203 271-6690. You can also reach out for help on the HFON webpage at (link to help page).