Beth-El Center in Milford Receives Funding from the Archbishop

Beth-El Center, a leader in caring for and meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness and hunger, recently received a $7,350 donation from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal through its Vicariate Outreach Program which offers support to local organizations whose missions are consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church.

This funding will be used to support the operation of the Beth-El Center’s emergency homeless shelter, food programs and support services for men, women, veterans and families in the Milford, shoreline and lower Naugatuck Valley areas who are experiencing homelessness.

"As homelessness continues to increase, the Beth-El Center is supporting many more individuals, families and veterans since before the pandemic,” says Jennifer Paradis, Executive Director of Beth-El Center. “This gift from the Archdiocese of Hartford will help us provide emergency shelter and services to our clients. We’re grateful for their support, which allows us to continue to respond to the increased demand for the basic needs of food and stable housing.”

In 2023, 347 households were supported by our Shelter Diversion services and as of September 2024, we received 872 requests for support (an increase of over 150%). Also in 2023, our Outreach and Engagement services received 48 referrals from literally homeless individuals and families and as of September 2024 we received 70 referrals. Our Emergency Shelter services have also experienced high demand, causing a waitlist for those in need of shelter. Last year, the Center served 48,214 meals in our Community Kitchen, a 40% increase from 2022.

For more information about Beth-El Center and its services, visit www.bethelcenterct.org or call 203.876.0747.

About the Archbishop Annual Appeal

Since 1981, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been able to assist tens of thousands of people—regardless of race, religion, or color—across CT, with health care, education, housing, emergency expenses, and in numerous other areas. It is through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program and the generosity of its donors that the Appeal is able to assist a wide array of community-based charities throughout Hartford, New Haven and Litchfield Counties.

About Beth-El Center

The Beth-El Center is a recognized leader in caring for and meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness and hunger and it strives to solve homelessness through community engagement and development. It serves individuals and families by providing temporary shelter and feeds over 150 meals daily in the community kitchen. Our clients include veterans, elderly and people working through poverty, physical and mental illness and catastrophic events, The Beth-El Center is located at 90 New Haven Avenue in Milford. Visit www.bethelcenterct.org for more information.