A local nonprofit that helps the homeless is spreading its message in Bridgeport.

Off the Streets Bridgeport provides security deposits to people who are homeless so they can move into apartments. The group makes placements by working with social service agencies in the greater Bridgeport area.

The local chapter was founded by the late Deacon Kevin Moore, and many of the volunteers are graduates of Fairfield University.

"This is a beautiful way of living out a lot of the lessons that we were taught by the Jesuit Fathers who run Fairfield University. Very simply put, they taught us to be persons for others," says Donald Ross, of Off the Streets Bridgeport.

"Since inception in 2013, we have placed 257 individuals and families in apartments with security deposits," says the organization's Gerard Agoglia.

Organizers say the program is ideal for people who don't have money saved for a security deposit but can pay rent through some source of income.