Bridgeport officials work to get homeless people off the street amid COVID-19 pandemic

People who are without homes were instructed to gather at the 900 block of Fairfield Avenue so they can be transported to safe havens.

News 12 Staff

Apr 4, 2020, 4:39 PM

Updated 1,474 days ago

Share:

Bridgeport City Councilman Jorge Cruz is working with city officials and nonprofit agencies to get every single homeless person who is still living on the streets into hotel rooms amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The urgent mobilization effort comes in response to an emergency decree by Gov. Ned Lamont. It orders all people who are homeless into hotel rooms to promote social distancing.
"We need to help them find a place to stay today," said Cruz.
City Councilwoman Jeanette Herron says homeless people tend to congregate together. But due to coronavirus, she says they must be kept apart as a matter of public health.
"I can't sleep at night knowing these people are on the streets," she said.
City officials say the emergency hotel stays will be paid with state and federal funding, but every homeless person must call 211 first to get registered with the state.
 
 
 


More from News 12
0:20
Police: Teen shot in the head in Bridgeport last week dies from injuries

Police: Teen shot in the head in Bridgeport last week dies from injuries

2:25
Cooler temperatures, rain expected in Connecticut for the rest of the week

Cooler temperatures, rain expected in Connecticut for the rest of the week

2:33
Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

0:24
Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

0:29
Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

0:21
Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases

Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases

2:15
Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

2:13
Time running out for hundreds of bills at state Capitol

Time running out for hundreds of bills at state Capitol

1:51
Ceremony held in Greenwich to mark 1 year anniversary with Ukrainian sister city

Ceremony held in Greenwich to mark 1 year anniversary with Ukrainian sister city

0:27
Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton fire crews assist Westport Fire Dept. in Hunt Club Lane house fire

Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton fire crews assist Westport Fire Dept. in Hunt Club Lane house fire

0:20
Firefighter injured when truck crashes into Shelton condo

Firefighter injured when truck crashes into Shelton condo

2:24
Connecticut joins partnership to hold airlines accountable for consumer complaints

Connecticut joins partnership to hold airlines accountable for consumer complaints

0:32
Police: Ax-wielding man faces charges in Fairfield chase

Police: Ax-wielding man faces charges in Fairfield chase

0:22
Police: Stamford woman faces larceny charges for phony check in Westport

Police: Stamford woman faces larceny charges for phony check in Westport

2:07
FAFSA new application delay is affecting students across Connecticut

FAFSA new application delay is affecting students across Connecticut

0:30
Sikorsky plans to lay off employees following cancellation of U.S. Army program

Sikorsky plans to lay off employees following cancellation of U.S. Army program

0:41
Police: 2 suspects arrested for narcotics and illegal firearms in Bridgeport

Police: 2 suspects arrested for narcotics and illegal firearms in Bridgeport

Guide: Stay safe while traveling through work zones with these 6 tips

Guide: Stay safe while traveling through work zones with these 6 tips

2:34
Petitions fight parking plan approved for downtown Westport

Petitions fight parking plan approved for downtown Westport