Connecticut Extends Severe and Cold Weather Alert through Feb. 8

The state of Connecticut has extended the Severe Cold Weather Protocol that was activated on Monday Jan. 26 through Sunday Feb. 8.

At the direction of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), Department of Housing (DOH), Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Department of Social Services (DSS) are again working with United Way 2-1-1, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, and other partners to coordinate efforts to ensure adequate shelter space during the current severe weather.

Connecticut is forecast to experience very cold temperatures over the next 10 days, with temperatures on many evenings in the low single digits and wind chill factor temperatures predicted to be near or below zero.  Therefore, the protocol that was enacted on Monday January 26th is now extended through Sunday February 8th, 2015.

Governor Malloy again encourages cities and towns to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help those in need during this severe weather event.  In addition, we want to continue to ensure that if local shelters or other facilities used during cold weather emergencies reach their capacities, there is a system in place to find out where there is space so they can direct individuals and families accordingly.

If you receive a call from someone looking for shelter and you are not aware of any shelter space, please direct the person to 2-1-1.  DEMHS has opened an Incident on WebEOC, “Severe Cold Weather January 26 – February 8, 2015.”  If your town opens a shelter or warming center, please indicate its status on WebEOC.  Working with local shelters, 2-1-1 will act as a clearinghouse to ensure that shelter space is found for those that need it.  We encourage you to spread the word of the important service provided by 2-1-1.

On behalf of the Governor, we thank you again for your hard work and dedication all year round—and especially in these cold and stormy winter months—to help individuals and families.
During this time, Coordinated Access Networks (CANs) across the state are asked to implement their severe cold weather protocol policies.  Our shared goal is to ensure that, further to the Governor’s announcement, all those in need are able to secure appropriate shelter 24 hours per day, every day during this time period.  211 will observe the policies established by each CAN in instructing clients as to what they should do to find shelter.

If you have any questions about the policies for access to shelter in your area, please contact your CAN coordinator (coordinators listed below).  If you have any questions about the 211 referral process, please contact Wendy Caruso, at Wendy.Caruso@ctunitedway.org.  If you have any questions about the Governor’s announcement and its impact on DOH-funded providers of homeless services, please contact Steve DiLella at the Department of Housing, Steve.DiLella@ct.gov.  If you have any questions about CCEH support to communities and the Coordinated Access process, please contact Kristen Granatek at CCEH, kgranatek@cceh.org.