Bridgeport officials work to get homeless people off the street amid COVID-19 pandemic

People who are without homes were instructed to gather at the 900 block of Fairfield Avenue so they can be transported to safe havens.

News 12 Staff

Apr 4, 2020, 4:39 PM

Updated 1,487 days ago

Share:

Bridgeport City Councilman Jorge Cruz is working with city officials and nonprofit agencies to get every single homeless person who is still living on the streets into hotel rooms amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The urgent mobilization effort comes in response to an emergency decree by Gov. Ned Lamont. It orders all people who are homeless into hotel rooms to promote social distancing.
"We need to help them find a place to stay today," said Cruz.
City Councilwoman Jeanette Herron says homeless people tend to congregate together. But due to coronavirus, she says they must be kept apart as a matter of public health.
"I can't sleep at night knowing these people are on the streets," she said.
City officials say the emergency hotel stays will be paid with state and federal funding, but every homeless person must call 211 first to get registered with the state.
 
 
 


More from News 12
1:38
Parks Department to hold community input meetings over new construction of skate parks

Parks Department to hold community input meetings over new construction of skate parks

1:53
Elected officials call on mayor to bring Staten Island ferry back to former Bay Ridge Pier

Elected officials call on mayor to bring Staten Island ferry back to former Bay Ridge Pier

1:54
Bright and mild weather conditions for NYC; tracking cooler weather and showers

Bright and mild weather conditions for NYC; tracking cooler weather and showers

2:19
Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

1:54
Funeral held for DJ Mister Cee in Downtown Brooklyn

Funeral held for DJ Mister Cee in Downtown Brooklyn

1:48
Mayor's administration awards $12.3 million emergency contract to run migrant shelter in Brooklyn

Mayor's administration awards $12.3 million emergency contract to run migrant shelter in Brooklyn

1:51
Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

0:23
Brooklyn man arrested, charged with forgery and larceny in Connecticut

Brooklyn man arrested, charged with forgery and larceny in Connecticut

1:45
Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

2:12
Power restored to most residents in Brooklyn following semi-truck crash; driver still on the loose

Power restored to most residents in Brooklyn following semi-truck crash; driver still on the loose

0:23
NYPD: 15-year-old shot in the stomach overnight in Bed-Stuy

NYPD: 15-year-old shot in the stomach overnight in Bed-Stuy

1:40
Check out how cyclists are preparing for the upcoming Five Boro Bike Tour

Check out how cyclists are preparing for the upcoming Five Boro Bike Tour

0:28
New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

0:31
FDNY: Firefighter among 3 people injured in Brownsville apartment fire

FDNY: Firefighter among 3 people injured in Brownsville apartment fire

0:31
NYPD identify 77-year-old fatally dragged by his car in Sheepshead Bay

NYPD identify 77-year-old fatally dragged by his car in Sheepshead Bay

1:29
Brooklyn Night Market takes over 36th Street in Industry City

Brooklyn Night Market takes over 36th Street in Industry City

1:26
Brooklyn residents flock to Coney Island to enjoy hot weather

Brooklyn residents flock to Coney Island to enjoy hot weather

1:45
Brooklyn man indicted for death of 3-year-old boy in East Flatbush

Brooklyn man indicted for death of 3-year-old boy in East Flatbush

1:56
New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035

New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035