“I hope everybody can continue to help and contribute to this organization because they do fine work for a lot of people.”

Melissa – U.S. Veteran
Provided Security Deposit Support

As of 2024, there were 3,410 individuals experiencing homelessness in Connecticut (an increase in 13% from 2023). Bridgeport is the largest city in Fairfield County, Connecticut – one of the wealthiest counties in the country – with a population in 2023 of 148,028. However, Bridgeport suffers from a high poverty rate of 22.9%. The average rent in Bridgeport, CT for a one- or two-bedroom apartment is between $1,400-$1,750 and continues to increase each year. Most landlords require one- or two-months’ rent security deposit, putting an extra financial burden on the prospective tenant of at least $1,400. Pulling these resources together is nearly impossible for the homeless or nearly-homeless.

Financial Support

OTSB is seeking to raise $200,000+ over the next five years in total financial support in the form of grants and endowments from foundations, corporations, local charities (i.e., Lions & Rotary Clubs) and churches, synagogues, state and federal aid, private charities (Knights of Columbus) fundraising events and individual donations. This level of funding will help provide sufficient resources to support the homeless so OTSB will never need to turn away a homeless person for lack of funds. It will also allow OTSB to expand its impact in Bridgeport and throughout Fairfield County in helping to resolve homelessness in our community.

A successful Bridgeport helps maintain a successful Fairfield County and Connecticut!