Jarrod Kittrell

Transitional Housing in Waterbury, CT

In current economic conditions, providing affordable housing for the homeless is critical to prevent further devastation to the community, its residents, and its main street. A bed in an emergency shelter in Connecticut costs an average of $8,760 per year. That's nearly double the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in many parts of the state. But how can communities respond? Fortunately, there are several options available.

One of these options is Transitional Housing. Many families and individuals find it difficult to keep up with the costs of living in permanent housing. In Waterbury, a transitional housing program can provide a temporary alternative. Among the services available are respite care and a place to live when a person cannot stay on their own.

One such organization is the Home of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit that seeks to meet the social-environmental needs of the Waterbury area. The Home of Hope provides counseling services and transitional housing to families in need. Their goal is to help these families achieve sustainable independence. By providing housing, the program is also committed to helping them build skills and confidence.

The Beyond Shelter CT program aims to prevent re-occurrence of homelessness by providing coordinated follow-up services to households leaving the shelter. This includes education on landlord-tenant rights, life skills workshops, and assistance with buying furniture and food.