Danbury council accepts additional state homeless-shelter funds and amends emergency shelter award

The Danbury City Council on Dec. 4 accepted additional funding not to exceed $124,000 from the Connecticut Department of Health to support operations, accommodations and case management at the city’s homeless shelters at 41 New Street and 98 Elm Street. The council ratified the action and authorized the mayor or director of Health and Human Services to accept the funds and execute required agreements.

Fernanda Carvalho, the city’s Director of Health and Human Services (as named in the communication), told the council the additional funds "will cover our deficit until the end of this current fiscal year" and that staff will seek other funding opportunities for the next fiscal year. Councilmember Sheniz asked whether the shelters were currently running at a deficit and when a shortfall might occur; Carvalho said the projected shortfall is expected by June 2026.

Separately, the council amended an earlier 2023 resolution to reflect the actual awarded amount and funding period for a Department of Health emergency shelter grant. City staff said the prior resolution listed a not-to-exceed and funding period that did not match the award; the council approved an amendment to reflect the actual amount and authorized the mayor or the director to submit reimbursement requests and execute contracts.

City staff also confirmed the cold-weather emergency shelter has opened at the United Jewish Center and that both regular shelter sites will be available to handle additional demand during extreme cold.

Both actions were approved by voice vote. Staff said they will continue to monitor shelter demand and return to the council with any needed updates or further funding requests.