Before the bitter cold hits this weekend, outreach workers are trying to get people without a place to go into a shelter.
Matt Norton, the manager and a volunteer with Bristol nonprofit The Agape House, checked in with people who were sleeping outside Wednesday night.
NBC Connecticut accompanied him as he visited Carl, a man with mental illness, according to Norton.
“I’m really hoping that we can convince him that it would be in his best interest to come inside,” Norton said.
We met Carl at a fast-food restaurant. Norton said there are many reasons Carl doesn’t like shelters; one is not being able to bring his shopping cart. After some discussion, Carl was still set on not going.
“I want to stay outside and stay away from people as long as possible,” Carl said. “It’s healthier. I learned that a long time ago.”
We left and headed to a nearby tent camp, passing another unhoused person Norton knew. He said she has a mental illness that developed after removing a cyst from her spine. He said she was on her way to an overflow shelter.
At the camp, two men recognized Norton right away. The camp is a common place Norton checks. He said on some nights the area is full of tents, but only a handful were there on Wednesday.
One man told Norton he’s not going to a shelter so he can keep an eye on his friend.
“I’m not leaving her out here,” he said. “As a 60-year-old woman, I’m not leaving her out here. I’m not doing it because that’s somebody’s mother.”
Another man said he is going to a shelter, explaining that hypothermia is a serious concern for him.
Norton said he’ll come back before the weekend to try again, determined to get them the help they need.
“The people that could possibly get them housing, possibly get them into a rehab, that kind of stuff happens at the outreach places,” Norton said. “It doesn’t happen out in the in the woods.”
While a night like this can seem hopeless, Norton said it’s not. He said being there shows them at least one person cares.
“I want to just at least give people a chance,” he said.
Those experiencing homelessness or have a loved one who is unhoused can call 2-1-1 to find the nearest warming shelter and get transportation. Click here for more resources.
