A Bridgeport pastor is asking for the public's support in giving a hand to men who are trying to become productive citizens.

Pastor John Peterson says he and his wife were heartbroken by the number of people they see sleeping on the street in appalling conditions.

Peterson is running a men's program called "Lending Hands Ministry" in Waterbury, where he says many men with ties to Bridgeport end up.

The pastors the program is not a shelter, but rather a 20 bed facility primarily helping men who are homeless due to drug and alcohol addiction.

"Everybody knows that 2020 was a tough year, unprecedented and the effects of COVID-19 have impacted everyone. But for those who were already struggling, it dealt a devastating blow," Peterson says.

Donations can be made on the program's GoFundMe.