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In a chilling example of systemic neglect, three elderly individuals with disabilities have been forcibly evicted from the St. Vincent de Paul Mission of Waterbury homeless shelter at 114 Benedict Street, leaving them exposed to the harsh realities of life on Waterbury's streets.
The incident, which unfolded recently amid dropping temperatures, highlights deep concerns about oversight, legitimacy of eviction reasons, and the broader crisis facing Connecticut's homeless population.
The affected seniors, all in their later years and grappling with significant disabilities, were ousted under what advocates describe as pretextual and unjustified grounds.
Two of the individuals, who had been approved for shared housing and were awaiting an apartment on Grove Street, were allegedly pressured to accept an alternative unit previously occupied by a former staff member. When they reasonably objected, citing the space as too small to accommodate their needs, the shelter administration responded by terminating their residency.
The third, a gentleman awaiting approval for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to his disability, was told the process would take "too long," despite federal protections that should safeguard such vulnerable residents from arbitrary removal.
Compounding the injustice, this eviction appears to stem in part from the gentleman's decision to report the disappearance of donated bottles of water intended for shelter residents during one of the hottest days of the summer. The supplies mysteriously vanished and were never distributed, raising questions about internal mismanagement or theft. Reporting the issue, however, only worsened their situation, as advocates note it would do no good for these three seniors—staff members at the shelter have a longstanding reputation for stealing donations, a problem highlighted in public reviews dating back at least six years, including Google reviews from around 2019 that accuse employees of diverting items meant for the homeless.
Now, with autumn chills setting in, the trio has been spotted wandering the streets at night, braving temperatures that dip into the low 40s Fahrenheit—conditions that pose immediate health risks for anyone, let alone seniors with disabilities.
Waterbury, often ranked among Connecticut's more challenging urban environments due to elevated crime rates and limited resources, amplifies the danger.
According to recent data from the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, the city reports higher incidences of violent crime per capita compared to state averages, with property crimes and assaults contributing to its reputation as a tough place for the unhoused.
Without shelter, these individuals are at heightened risk of assault, exposure, and further health deterioration.
Attempts to seek recourse through official channels have been met with frustration. Calls to Connecticut's Elder Abuse Hotline, operated by the Department of Social Services, go unanswered, forcing callers to leave voicemails in a system that appears overwhelmed or understaffed. This lack of immediate response underscores a critical gap in protections for the elderly, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
"These are people who have nowhere else to turn, and the system meant to protect them is failing at every level," said one advocate familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity due to ongoing investigations.
The St. Vincent de Paul Mission of Waterbury, part of the larger Catholic Charities network, has long served as a lifeline for Waterbury's homeless community. However, this incident—coupled with a history of alleged staff misconduct—points to a troubling absence of oversight. These wrongs extend beyond the three seniors, with advocates reporting a pattern of mistreatment and neglect affecting others at the shelter.
Local homeless advocates and disability rights groups are calling for an independent review by the Connecticut Department of Housing and the state ombudsman for long-term care.
"Evicting seniors for raising valid concerns about housing or reporting resource shortages isn't management—it's retaliation," the advocate added. "Waterbury's shelters need accountability, not impunity."
As of now, the three seniors remain unsheltered, their whereabouts precarious.
Community members have rallied informally, offering what aid they can, but without intervention, their situation could turn tragic.
This story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost when support systems prioritize expediency over empathy.
Officials at St. Vincent de Paul have not responded to requests for comment, but pressure is mounting for swift action to reinstate the evictees and address the root issues to demand justice for these seniors and others affected by the shelter's practices.
Concerned citizens are urged to contact the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office of Charity at (860) 808-5318 or via email at [email protected] to report these extreme wrongs and push for a thorough investigation into the shelter’s operations.
Persistent calls for accountability are critical to ensuring protections for Waterbury’s most vulnerable.
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