Inspirica says homelessness in Connecticut has been increasing now for the third year in a row. They say there are 3,400 people who are unhoused.

Rosalba Messina says the organization provides children and youth services, emergency shelters and job training.

"Our mission today is exactly the same as it was back in 1879 – and that is to break the cycle of homelessness," said Messina.

Messina says people can have a place to sleep and keep warm on any given night at Inspirica – but the goal is to help them become independent.

"We are successful in placing our residents in permanent housing and we continue to try to increase that by looking at state vouchers and our partners in the community as well," said Messina.

On Friday, over 1,600 bags of food will be distributed to those in need before Thanksgiving as part of Inspirica's Harvest for Hope.

Next month, the gym at Inspirica will be filled with toys and presents for its Holiday Wishes program that serves over 2,000 local children in need.

Inspirica says there are nearly 600 people who are unhoused in Fairfield County.