Killingly, Connecticut faces challenges with rural homelessness

Todd Mayo Jr. faced homelessness after losing his home in Killingly, Connecticut. With no running water or heat, he lived in an abandoned storefront. This area is the only place in Northeast Connecticut with a shelter, but local services for the homeless are limited. People in need often lack access to basic resources like showers and transportation. A recent discussion among town council members raised concerns about homeless individuals using showers at the Killingly Community Center. Though these showers have been open to all members, some councilors worry about potential liabilities. This situation highlights the significant challenges rural communities face in providing support for the growing homeless population. Farther away, Living Faith United Methodist Church in Putnam offers a free shower service called "Just A Place to Go." This initiative was created to counter discrimination against the homeless community. However, it is one of the few options available in the region. Many homeless individuals have no choice but to wait long distances for services or to resort to public rivers for bathing. Mayo, who has struggled with addiction and health issues, only recently secured a spot in a community shelter. He continues to look for work and housing, but transport remains a major barrier in the rural Northeast. Public transit services are unreliable and limited, making it difficult for job seekers to reach employment opportunities. Timothy Freels, another homeless individual, secured a warehouse job close to the shelter but faces the same transportation issues. The job market in Northeastern Connecticut has stagnated, unlike other regions in the state, which adds to the struggle for locals to find work. Emma King from Access, the agency managing the shelter, explained how transportation, housing, and employment challenges are intertwined. The region's high rate of homeownership means fewer rental opportunities are available. With many homeless individuals waiting for shelter, the average stay has increased beyond the typical 60-day period. As the cold months approach, many will continue to face housing insecurity. The director of Access's homeless response expressed concern for the growing number of first-time homeless families, highlighting the precariousness of economic stability in the area. Despite these efforts, the lack of affordable housing remains a crucial issue.