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DSS and providers debate future of CHEST homelessness program; lawmakers pressed to avoid abrupt sunsetting
Summary
Department of Social Services told the Human Services Committee on March 11 that the CHEST homelessness program is not viable in its current construction because of a shortage of providers and lack of housing vouchers; the department recommended sunsetting the current approach and moving voucher recipients to other supports but lawmakers and providers urged a redesign rather than abrupt closure.
The Department of Social Services told the Human Services Committee on March 11 that Connecticut's federally-authorized CHEST homelessness program is operating under severe capacity constraints, and commissioners urged the legislature to consider a phased redesign rather than immediate expansion. Some lawmakers and provider representatives pushed back, urging broader coordination before sunsetting the program.
Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said a multi-agency study concluded there are not enough providers to administer CHEST services at scale and that there are no available housing vouchers for the wait list. "There aren't adequate providers to administer the program," Reeves said,…
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