Happy New Year! Wishing you health, happiness and a safe place to sleep in 2018.
Once he had an apartment, something clicked for Lou.
After many years of heartbreak, this was a season of celebration for Lou. It was the first Christmas with his children in over 20 years.
Lou became homeless when an addiction took control of his life. He lost his job, his apartment and his family. HHC staff helped him transition back to housing, and something clicked.
He attributes his recovery to one simple thing: his apartment. "Knowing that I had a place of my own put me in a different mindset," he says.
Heather Mangiafico with HHC's executive director, Cathy Zall.
13-year-old raises $3,000 for HHC
One of our most amazing gifts this year was from Hannah Mangiafico: a $3,000 check she presented on Dec. 28.
The seed was a $1 bill from Hannah's pastor,
Ron Kolanowski of St. Peter's in Hebron. He gave the bills to young parishioners during a sermon and challenged them to multiply the cash in ways that helped the community.
Hannah had recently visited HHC with the parish youth group and, after talking with her father Rob, set up a GoFundMe page with him. It quickly took off.
Hannah, who just turned 13, said she learned that if you do something good, it makes you feel good -- and it makes other people want to make a difference. Bravo Hannah!
Even on the longest night
of the year, there is hope
About 75 people gathered at St. James in New London on Dec. 21 to honor -- and tell the stories of -- those who have wrestled with homelessness.
Sixteen who died this year were remembered as unique and well-loved friends.
Read The Day's coverage.
Homeless Persons' Memorial Day is observed nationally on the longest night of the year, and is sponsored locally by HHC and St. Francis House.
The Rev. Emmett Jarrett of St. Francis House helpedfound HHC in 2006after two men, Bill Walsh and Danny Worobel, died outdoors.
The Rev. Sara Ofner-Seals of First Congregational Church reminded the gathering that shorter nights -- and hope -- were just one day away. The 16 who died locally this year are:
