Town of Westport Press Release

On Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM on Jesup Green in Westport, Westport’s Department of Human Services, The Westport Housing Authority, and Homes With Hope invites residents to join legislators, local providers and advocates in a call-to-action rally to address Fairfield County’s growing housing crisis in the aftermath of and ongoing concerns related to the pandemic. 

The goal of the rally is to raise public awareness of the housing crisis and remind State legislators of the urgency to act. Organizers encourage the public to attend the rally as a personal action to combat homelessness. Public participation sends a message to legislators that the community supports the allocation of resources to Fairfield County’s most vulnerable residents. 

Housing insecurity affects thousands of Fairfield County families and individuals seeking permanent housing every day. Affordability has become the most significant barrier for moderate and lower-income households to maintain stable housing in Fairfield County. The pandemic has increased the demand for affordable housing, resulting in a lack of available inventory, and dramatically increased rents, leaving many residents without access to safe housing options. 

On August 18, rally-goers will gather at Jesup Green to hear firsthand from a broad range of funders, advocates, and community providers who offer direct services to friends and neighbors experiencing housing insecurity. Research shows that the most effective strategy for solving homelessness is the Housing First approach, connecting households to stable and affordable housing through a combination of supportive services and financial assistance. 

In September, State Legislators have the opportunity to allocate significant financial resources from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act to protect and enhance the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents. 

The call-to-action encourages state elected officials to invest in the development of new, permanent affordable housing and support services in Fairfield County by committing a substantial amount the State’s $300M American Rescue Plan Act Plan funds. 

An investment in affordable housing and homelessness services will create employment opportunities, provide a stable and safe learning environment for our homeless youth, families, and individuals, and create secure non-institutional settings for our older residents.  

Residents are also encouraged to contact their State Representatives and ask them to invest the State’s ARPA Funds into affordable housing and support services in Fairfield County, Connecticut.