Sen. Richard Blumenthal honored a local church and encouraged people to support a fundraiser for the shelter it runs.

Blumenthal called Pastor John Peterson and his team "genuine front-line heroes" who have put their lives on the line over the past year to help feed and clothe the homeless.

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

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

Residents interested in making a donation can do so by clicking on this link.