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Article published Feb 24, 2007 NORWICH -- Norwich and New London will receive $1.27 million in Housing and Urban Development funds to help end homelessness in Eastern Connecticut. Phillip Mangano, executive director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, was in Norwich Friday to make the announcement. Characterizing himself as "a born abolitionist," Mangano, speaking at City Hall, said the HUD funding "is an investment in Norwich and New London, and the cities will realize a strong return on that investment." The cities were in national competition for the funding. The funding is the first step in implementing the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness to be carried out by nonprofit and governmental organizations in southeastern Connecticut. "Wow. More than a million dollars," said Frank Spakoski III of Norwich. "This is great news. I'm glad to know there is a solution to homelessness and it's cheaper than treatment, and Norwich will be doing that. I'll feel better knowing the people who are always hanging out downtown have someplace to go regularly." HUD this year has allocated $24.2 million to Connecticut, an increase of 17 percent from 2006. According to Lee Ann Gomes, Norwich director of social work, the city's homeless shelter has helped 113 people this winter. Mangano's announcement comes days after City Manager Bob Zarnetske revealed a plan to restructure the $1 million the city has received in federal Community Development Block Grants to address homelessness. Mangano underscored the expense of homelessness and its impact on police bookings, hospitals and public libraries. "Serving homeless people endlessly does not help them,' he said. "Ending homelessness does." In praising efforts to end homelessness, Mangano cited Quincy, Mass., where the number of homeless has been reduced to 65 people -- down from 145. Joining Mangano were Zarnetske, New London Mayor Peg Curtin, Norwich Alderman Mark Bettencourt and state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, each of whom spoke briefly. Beverly Goulet, Norwich director of social services, said the HUD funding will be "conduited to agencies" of the Partnership to End Homelessness, a southeastern Connecticut organization of some 20 social service agencies. Mangano noted February is Black History Month and drew on the inspiration of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "Dr. King taught us that the long, moral arc of history bends toward justice," he said. "And that is what will happen here." When that happens, Mangano said, "All of us will be known by a single name -- neighbor." |
