Off The Streets Honored Internationally – Now calling for Volunteers in Danbury and Bridgeport, and Leaders to Launch New Chapters
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Off The Streets was honored as the Community Program of the Year by the Knights of Columbus at their 143rd annual Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C. This prestigious recognition was awarded to a local Knights of Columbus council in Maumee, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo, for its exceptional work in founding a chapter of Off The Streets (OTS). Selected from thousands of council-led initiatives across all 50 states and 17 countries, the program stood out for its transformative impact on homelessness.
Since its launch in 2021, the Toledo chapter has helped more than 1,000 people experiencing homelessness move into stable permanent housing. It is part of a growing network of 10 OTS chapters across five states, which together have assisted over 10,000 people—including families, single mothers, and individuals living in cars, tents and shelters —transition into permanent homes.
Off The Streets Toledo President Greg Schaffer shared, “This honor is a testament to our dedicated volunteers, whose unwavering service fuels everything we do. But more importantly, it’s a reflection of the remarkable, life-changing work being done every day by all of our chapters. This award truly belongs to all ten chapters—and reflects our shared commitment to restoring dignity and hope, one person at a time.”
Off The Streets follows a simple yet powerful model: it bridges the final gap in the housing process by providing security deposits and basic furnishings to those experiencing homelessness—often the last hurdle preventing someone from moving into a room or apartment of their own. The organization is entirely volunteer-run, with no paid staff.
Volunteers consistently describe the experience as deeply rewarding. As one volunteer explains, “I’ll never forget the day we arrived at a family of five. They were living in an empty apartment with everyone – mom, dad and the three kids – sleeping on the floor. It was heartbreaking to see but it was also life-changing for me. We brought in the furniture, set up beds for the kids, and created a place they could truly call home. The looks on their faces as they saw the transformation was priceless, It made me realize how something as simple as a bed can provide so much more than comfort – it gives dignity and hope”.
The heart of Off The Streets lies in the people it serves. Their gratitude speaks volumes. One recently housed young woman shared, “After years of struggling with homelessness, I finally secured a place of my own. The best part? I’m on track to get my children back now that I have a stable home. The volunteers from Off The Streets didn’t just bring furniture – they brought hope. My kids will have beds to sleep in, a kitchen table for meals, and a couch where we can sit together as a family. This is the first real home I’ve had in years, and I thank God for this blessing.”
While the award highlights the Toledo chapter’s accomplishments, Off The Streets emphasizes that its model is replicable in any community and that ordinary people can make a significant impact in the fight against homelessness. Off The Streets has two active chapters in Connecticut – in Danbury and Bridgeport. New volunteers are always welcome, and information can be found on chapter websites at https://www.otsdanbury.com and https://offthestreets-bridgeport.org/
Off The Streets is interested in starting more chapters in Fairfield County – particularly in Stamford or Norwalk. With just a few committed individuals, a new chapter can be launched—and Off The Streets offers the tools and support to make it happen.
To learn more about starting a chapter or getting involved, visit www.offthestreetsnow.com, call 717-256-3282, or email otsnewchapter@gmail.com