brian-gibbons-homeless-outreach

Gavin's Update - June / July 2025

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:23:06 GMT

We are beginning to notice another rise in encampments getting shut down. Just in the past 2 weeks, we have received calls about 5 different encampments needing relocation assistance. With the constant relocation of our clients, not only is it taking a massive toll on them physically, but it is affecting their mental health as well. Some clients have shared with me that they feel less than human after having to relocate all of their belongings to go and “hide away” in another location that they are not familiar with. Also, with having to relocate many individuals in a given time frame, we are running out of available areas to place these clients. We are fearful that if we set them up in a new location that it could be shut down very soon after.

This past week we were fortunate enough to house one of our clients who had been struggling with homelessness for the past 18 months. This individual has been very driven and motivated to get out of the situation he was in and was just getting the short end of the stick with job applications and housing opportunities. He began to feel very down and started to lose hope that nothing would go his way. Fortunately, luck started to come his way. He was able to get into a job program that will help him get his cosmetology license renewed so he can go back to work as a barber. We also were able to get him set up with a rooming house so he has a comfortable place to call his own and to allow him to focus on other important things such as employment and working on his mental health. He had such a huge smile on his face when we entered the unit for the first time and we are extremely proud of the work he has put in to better his situation along with being proud of his perseverance and his ability to keep pushing forward when things get tough.

This summer has been unusually hotter than our average summers in CT. With this, we have been fortunate for the state to activate the “Hot Weather Protocol” a few times so far this summer. This means that once the temperatures reach over 90 degrees that the Governor has cooling centers across the state open up for folks to go and cool off or get water and relax in a cooler setting than outside. In Waterbury, there are also some splash pads around the city at local parks for people and children to access as well. We continue to be grateful to the City and everyone in the community that helps support our mission.

Gavin's Update - April / May 2025

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:43:26 GMT

We were fortunate enough to be invited to the United Way of Greater Waterbury and the United Way of Naugatuck/Beacon Falls annual awards dinners. This was a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for 2 amazing organizations in addition to the ability network with other programs and agencies.

There was an overnight outreach event on April 30th where multiple agencies in the Waterbury area met up on the green and gave out a bunch of resources and supplies. Also, some of the agencies were able to do some canvassing of encampments with the Waterbury Police Department. This allowed outreach teams to offer resources and support to those we may not meet with during the morning/afternoon hours.

In the beginning of April, we hosted our 2nd bi-annual Art Show where those who are unhoused were able to show off their creative skills and display some artwork for the community to come see, some individuals even purchased some of the art from our clients. This was such a positive experience for our clients that allowed them to feel a sense of pride, have the ability to earn some money, and overall was truly a wonderful coming together moment for everyone. We are planning to have our next art show in the fall.

Gavin's Update - Feb / Mar 2025

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:16:45 GMT

’d like to start this blog off with a success story. We have been working closely with a 55 year old man who has struggled with homelessness on and off for the last 3 years. I would meet with this man roughly once a week to check in with him and to provide him with any necessary supplies. He had lost all of his vital documents after being evicted from his last residence, so it took some time to acquire those for him. Luckily, a few months ago we were able to get him a housing voucher through the Center for Human Development (CHD). After a couple months of searching around, he finally was able to move into his new place with his 3 year old dog at the beginning of this month. The look on his face was indescribable when he first walked into his new place he was so overwhelmed with joy.

We are noticing a dramatic influx of individuals who have come to our attention who require outreach services. This includes middle class families, the elderly, and those with acute physical/medical needs. During the month of December- the end of February, a warming center in Waterbury opened their doors 24/7 and acted as a place for folks to get out of the winter elements. Up to 35 people could utilize the warming center at a time which was a huge help in the community. Sadly, on March 1st, the warming center closed and displaced roughly 35 people back out to the streets. We are working diligently with other providers to ensure these individuals get the proper services they need.

Gavin's Update - Dec 2024 / Jan 2025

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:16:47 GMT

During these frigid months of winter, it becomes much more challenging to assist every individual with their specific needs. We are beginning to see a rise in the amount of people who are living outside in the Greater Waterbury Area. Fortunately, thanks to our amazing donors, we received a bunch of resource bags from Entrepreneur's Source in Southbury and also from the folks at Liberty Bank in Naugatuck. With these resource bags, we are able to hand out a bag to each of our clients to carry their belongings in and to utilize the materials that are given to them in each bag. Each bag consisted of items such as hand warmers, hats/gloves, a small blanket, various snack items, and more.

As of January 11, we have 13 individuals who are document ready and waiting on a housing voucher. Unfortunately, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of housing vouchers that are available for our clients. This means that our folks are having to stay outside much longer than in previous years. In the past 2 months, we were able to assist 8 individuals get into stable housing or into a long term treatment program. We are hopeful to increase those numbers during the 2025 year.

2024 Volunteer Appreciation Wine & Cheese Event

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:03:20 GMT

2024 Honorees

Cornerstone Church of Cheshire - Cornerstone Church has been a steadfast partner in our outreach efforts, working alongside us to support both day and overnight outreach events. Their contributions include providing warm breakfasts, hot chocolate, and snacks to our unsheltered friends, bringing comfort and care to those in need. Committed to our mission, Cornerstone Church continually seeks ways to help, contributing not only time and resources but also vital monetary donations. Their generosity and dedication enable us to extend our outreach, making a lasting impact through the work of Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach.

In-Motion Mobile Clinic and Pharmacy - In Motion Clinic plays an essential role in providing much-needed healthcare and pharmacology services to our unsheltered community. Partnering closely with Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach, they bring a person-centered approach that builds immediate trust and rapport with those we serve. With their compassionate and responsive team, In Motion Clinic is always ready to assist when we encounter clients with medical concerns who may be hesitant to seek hospital care. Their dedication and expertise make them invaluable in reaching and supporting vulnerable individuals, ensuring accessible healthcare where it’s needed most.

Jered Bruzas- United Way - Jered, from United Way, has been an unwavering supporter and advocate for Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach. His dedication to serving the unsheltered community shines through in his work, organizing meetings, tours, and development opportunities to strengthen our mission. Jered’s passion and proactive efforts create invaluable connections, resources, and growth avenues, allowing us to deepen our impact and better serve those in need.

Leslie Swiderski - With a background as both a nurse and social worker, Leslie brings exceptional advocacy and expertise to the unsheltered community, especially for individuals needing higher levels of care. As the leader of the Community Care Team and the Waterbury Health Access Program, Leslie facilitates vital physical and mental health support for those who are unsheltered. Her dedication and partnership with Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach have enabled countless individuals to access the critical care they need, empowering them on their journey to better health and stability.

Office Powell and Captain Stokes - These men have been invaluable partners in our mission, bringing their expertise and dedication to a collaborative approach for supporting Waterbury’s unsheltered community. Their partnership highlights the power of unity, with law enforcement and outreach working hand-in-hand to provide resources and solutions. Captain Stokes, in particular, has spearheaded overnight outreach events, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to assisting those most in need. Together, Officer Powell and Captain Stokes embody a compassionate and proactive response to the challenges faced by the unsheltered.

Tony Bocci - Since the very beginning, Tony Bocci has been a cornerstone of our program’s success. Always ready to lend a hand, whether through sharing his knowledge, providing supplies, or offering a warm conversation, Tony is a dedicated advocate for the unsheltered community. With his many years of experience, he brings invaluable insights and compassion to our mission. Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach would not be what it is today without Tony’s steadfast support and dedication.

Gavin's Update - Oct/Nov 2024

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:45:35 GMT

Our program has received an influx of clients looking to enter detox. In the past 2 months, Josh and I have been able to assist 7 different clients with getting into a detox/rehab facility. One of the clients we assisted had never been into treatment before, so she was very anxious and

hesitant going into it. Her and I sat together and began to call the Access Line to see if beds were available for her. After several hours, we were informed that there was an issue with her insurance where she was deemed ineligible for Husky Insurance. Luckily, after a few phone calls, we were able to get to the bottom of the issue with her insurance. This entire process took place over 3 days and each day was tougher than the last regarding this client's state of mind, feeling towards treatment, and overall health. Currently, she is still in treatment and is thriving there! Once she has completed her program, she will be able to move into her new apartment.

As of November 1st, we had 41 clients on our caseload. Out of those 41, we have 22 clients who are matched to a housing voucher or are next in line to be matched. This is very important to note because this allows us to focus more on those individuals who have no documentation at all or those who need a more hands-on level of care. We are hopeful that we can see a quick turn around for our folks who have housing vouchers with this frigid winter coming very soon.

Gavin's Update - September 2024

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:05:38 GMT

Due to the continuing rise of rents, there has been a significant increase in the amount of people living outside in Waterbury. Our program has received 14 new clients as of August 1, with 6 of these individuals being over the age of 55. We are noticing more and more families who are becoming homeless, but we are specifically seeing more single mothers with young children having to resort to sleeping in their cars until there is shelter space available.

On a positive note, we were able to house one of our clients who has been struggling with homelessness for over 3 years. Words cannot describe the smile on his face when he walked into his apartment for the first time.

Gavin's Update - June 2024

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:52:31 GMT

The month of June definitely brought its challenges with the main one being the humidity. The Governor activated the “Extreme Hot Weather Protocol” during the back half of this month. Agencies and public buildings became cooling centers during this time, allowing people to get out of the extreme humidity and heat for a bit to get some water and cool off. Even when this protocol was not put in place, we were making sure all of our friends who are sleeping outside had plenty of water, ice packs. We are also fortunate to hand out some personal battery fans to help them keep our friends cool thanks to donations.

One encounter of my work that I would like to share is regarding a 72 year old man who reported to be living outside for nearly a month. Once Josh and I met with the client, he discussed with us his medical concerns that led him to being sent to the hospital recently. This client was unable to return to the shelter due to requiring a handicapped accessible facility. Unfortunately, there were zero beds available in the entire state. During the intake with this client, his health began to decline so we made a call for an ambulance to pick him up. He was sent to the hospital where he was nearly discharged with no safety plan in place. We began pleading with the nurses to keep him for more observation and fortunately they listened. After further observation, they found that he had serious heart complications and he required surgery. He is now currently in a short term rehab facility and then he will be placed into residential living. This is a glimpse of the work we do and one highlight of the month.

Gavin's Update - April 2024

Thu, 09 May 2024 18:19:51 GMT

Over the month of April Josh and I were able to meet with over 40 different clients and provide the necessary services for each individual. We were able to help 3 clients in particular get their own housing. We have 2 more that are awaiting to get their keys in the coming week. This has been an exciting time for our clients. These clients have struggled with homelessness for over a year and also have many physical/medical conditions that have made their experience being outside that much tougher. We currently have over 25% of our clients in the housing search with another 35% who are document ready awaiting the proper housing voucher.

With the warmer weather approaching, Josh and I are beginning to prepare our clients by providing them with bottles of water and “rapid response” bags that contain hygiene products, socks, cleaning wipes, a small blanket, flashlight, and various snack items. These bags were graciously donated to us thanks to the Cornerstone Church of Cheshire.

Gavin's Update - March 2024

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:18:19 GMT

Earlier this month, I received a call from Lt. Stokes from Waterbury Police regarding an encampment of ours that has gotten the attention of the Police Chief. He informed me that this location needed to be cleaned up by the end of the week or they would have to come in and clear everyone out. So, I was able to clear out the mess with help from one of our clients and we reached back out to Lt. Stokes to have the refuse team come and gather all of the bags of garbage we brought out. I am hopeful that the continued relationship we have with the Waterbury Police Department will ensure the safety, well-being, and wrap-around support that benefits our clients.

One of the challenges I have faced these past couple months is when we get clients matched to vouchers, we are seeing that it is taking much longer for them to find apartments. This means that our clients have to remain outside in the elements much longer than they had anticipated in the past. Currently, we have 10 of our clients who are matched to a housing voucher and out of those 10, 7 of them have had a voucher longer than 3 months. We are hopeful to see a turn around soon.

Gavin's Update - February 2024

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:04:08 GMT

February brought along some drastic weather for our clients to endure. Josh and I continue to meet with our clients at least once a week to check in with them, complete required paperwork for housing, and provide necessary supplies for them to be able to survive the winter elements.

I continue to see an increase in clients who are willing to enter Detox. In the past, clients would be hesitant to go into a detox facility due to past experiences, struggles with mental health or substances, or even just overall not being 100% ready. Josh and I were able to advocate for and assist in bringing a client to a detox facility in Southern CT. This client has had ongoing struggles with alcohol but with our continued support during the past few months of knowing this individual, they were finally ready to take their step and begin their recovery journey.

As mentioned in the previous blog, our caseload is still increasing due to the shelter being at capacity and no warming centers opening up due to the temperature staying where it has been. Clients are resorting to sleeping in abandoned buildings, tents, or in their cars.

Gavin's Update - January 2024

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:39:42 GMT

During the frigid month of January, keeping clients warm and dry becomes one of our top priorities. Josh and I are making sure to check in with our clients who are living outside at least once a week if not more. During the winter months we typically give propane tanks for their heaters, more blankets due to theirs being soaked from the weather, and constantly providing additional food and warm clothing. A recent barrier we faced in our work has been obtaining documents such as (Photo ID’s, Birth Certificates, and Social Security Cards) for our clients however lately our clients appear to be more motivated and receptive to the services we offer.

Another successful outcome I have seen throughout my work is the number of clients willing to go into Detox. Josh and I have assisted 6 individuals in getting a detox bed. We are hopeful that these individuals will get into long term treatment through the detox facility which will then assist them with housing.

One of the challenges I have faced has been the increase in our caseload along with the limited space for these clients to go. We receive many self-referrals in addition to referrals from the CAN and Waterbury PD about individuals who are living outside, in cars or vacant buildings. The local shelter has been at capacity every day for the last few weeks due to the cold weather. Sadly, the governor has only put the “Cold Weather Protocol” into effect once this winter and that was 1/17-1/22. We are finding more and more individuals being stuck outside with no place to go. Even when the warming center was open both the shelter and warming center were at full capacity.

Gavin's Update - December 2023

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:07:47 GMT

This month, Josh and I have been actively involved in facilitating the admission of three individuals into rehab/detox facilities. The first client, grappling with a profound struggle with alcohol, expressed a sense of urgency seeking help, conveying the sentiment that he felt he was running out of time. Despite our attempts to secure a program through local hospitals proving to be successful we had to explore other avenues. During a recent check in the client indicated the immediate need to go to the emergency room after learning no detox beds were available in the state, yet regrettably he was discharged after a brief stay. Undeterred, upon arriving at the hospital to pick him up, we diligently called the access line multiple times throughout the day. After several hours of persistent efforts, we succeeded in arranging transportation for him to the detox facility he had long sought.

In another instance this past week, we received a call from a concerned officer reporting two individuals living along the riverside required relocation. Upon arrival it became apparent that both individuals were facing greater risks than initially presumed. Both clients shared their struggle with substance misuse and urgently appealed for assistance in securing detox beds.

Gavin's Update - November 2023

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:57:36 GMT

There has been a rapid increase in the number of people living outside in Waterbury. Before Thanksgiving, Josh and I received a call from a client of ours saying that a part of the woods they were staying at was being cut down and that the trees were falling really close to them. We rushed over to find countless trees already knocked down with many being near our clients. In total, we had 10 clients residing in that slab of woods. After trying to plead with the company cutting the trees down to stop, it became apparent that we needed to relocate our clients ASAP. Luckily, in the next day and a half we were able to relocate all 10 of those individuals. Rents in Waterbury are becoming tougher and tougher for our clients to get. There is a big lack of affordable housing and landlords willing to give people with evictions or past convictions a chance. There are more people resorting to living outside due to mental health, substance use, and or just fear of the shelter environment. With this increase there are less and less spaces

where these individuals can live until they are matched to housing.

Gavin's Update - October 2023

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 17:41:28 GMT

In October, I have been fortunate enough to deliver over 100 sandwiches to clients thanks to the multiple groups and families that provide them to us each month.

We were able to meet with members of the Wheeler clinic in Waterbury along with a few homeless response officers from the Waterbury Police Department.

There we shared information along with different ideas and strategies on how each individual group can better help the homeless community.

Just this month our program has seen over a 30% increase in our caseload. We are starting to see a growing increase of people over 65 years of age who are newly homeless.

Most of these cases the person(s) were living in their residency for over 10 years and due to COVID, landlords have raised the rents of nearly every apartment building in the city.

Gavin's Update - September 2023

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 17:41:27 GMT

During the month of September, I was able to pick up and deliver 80 bags of food to my clients living outside in Waterbury.

As part of our outreach to the community to raise awareness, we provide tours with CEOs in the community.

We were also fortunate to meet with the Community Relations Officer of the Waterbury Police Department to be able to help more people around the city of Waterbury.

Thanks to a long-lasting collaboration with CHD, we were able to match one of our clients to their PILOTS program for a housing voucher.

Near the end of the month, I was able to get my certification in Narcan distribution. This allows me to support the community around me as well as help my clients in emergency situations.

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