The Shoreline Homeless Taskforce

While homelessness has often been viewed as an urban issue, data shows that suburban towns across Connecticut— including shoreline communities — are experiencing sharp increases in homelessness and housing insecurity.

In the last year, over 8,000 calls were made to 211 from the shoreline towns. 1,700 of those were for housing and shelter needs. 

Rising rents, limited affordable housing, stagnant wages, and reductions in federal and state safety-net programs have all contributed to a surge in calls for shelter and basic needs support. Families and individuals in Madison, Guilford, Branford, and East Haven are increasingly at risk, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated, local responses.

As a collaborative network of providers and community partners, the Shoreline Homeless Taskforce will work together to extend resources, share knowledge, and coordinate care for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness —promoting dignity, stability, and long-term solutions. Led by the value that we are stronger together.

“Homelessness is not just a city issue — it’s here in our shoreline towns, affecting neighbors, families, and seniors. By coming together across communities, we can respond with compassion, efficiency, and long-term solutions. This Taskforce is a sign of hope that no one has to face homelessness alone.”

-Kelly Fitzgerald, Vice President of Economic Mobility at United Way of Greater New Haven.

For more information on the Shoreline Homeless Taskforce, please reach out to: Justin Zeigler, the Assistant Director of Community Support at Madison Youth and Family Services: zeiglerj@madisonct.org or (203) 245-5645.