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.