‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ raises awareness

WINSTED — The weather has turned, winter is here. For many, that means snuggling up in the warmth and comfort of their home and hunkering down until spring. But for a shocking number of people, this is just not the case. For them, there’s no place to escape the cold, and hunkering down isn’t a choice but instead a matter of survival.

Homelessness remains an epidemic throughout the U.S., and our wealthy state is no exception. On a single night in January 2019 there were found to be 2,445 homeless adults and 588 homeless children across Connecticut, 456 of whom were sleeping outside. The quiet towns of Northwest CT are not immune to this problem, and for over 20 years the Northwest CT YMCA has been committed to ending homelessness in our small corner of the world.

The Y will host its 8th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason event on Dec. 13, which unites the community at East End Park to shine a light on the persistent issue of homelessness. Community leaders, business owners, student groups, and caring neighbors who join this special gathering will spend the entire night on the town green. The event is also the primary fundraiser for the Winsted Y Homeless Shelter with a goal to raise $15,000.

“We’re so grateful for the support from so many who care about those forced to sleep outside,” said Greg Brisco, Northwest CT YMCA’s CEO. “We hope that Freezin’ for a Reason continues to remind us of the persistent issue of homeless families in our communities, and at the same time, raises muchneeded funds for our homeless shelter.”

The Winsted Y shelter serves approximately 75 men women and children each year. Upon move in, each individual or family have a goal to find permanent housing within 30 days. Y staff work with each one of them to make that happen.

“We all know what it’s like to get a rough night’s sleep, and nothing could be rougher than sleeping outdoors in winter” Housing Director Will Donahue said. “Without a safe place to lay your head, solving an issue like homelessness becomes an impossible task. Our homeless shelter provides emergency housing and supportive services so our guests can focus on regaining stability. Through this fundraiser, we are given the security of knowing that in the coming year we will not struggle to keep our doors open for those in need.”

At Freezin’ for a Reason, individuals and teams will set up tents, make cardboard shelters or lay a sleeping bag on the ground and brave the cold temperatures.

Dave Sartirana, owner of Northwest CT Realty, has participated in the event since its inception. He said the Y Homeless Shelter continues to play an important role in the community.

“I am in the business of helping people realize the American Dream, which is to buy a home,” Sartirana said. “Not everyone is capable of accomplishing that dream and shelters such as the one at the YMCA are all that some have and if I can help make those places ‘home’ for those who are less fortunate, I am very happy to help.”

To find out more, or to donate to the cause, visit nwctY.org/freezin or contact Will Donahue at 8604893133 x 122.

The Northwest CT YMCA is part of a 256yearold worldwide organization that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With locations in Torrington, Canaan and Winsted, the Y has a longstanding relationship and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change. The Northwest CT YMCA has served Northwest Connecticut for over 130 years, currently serving more than 10,000 individuals annually through its programs and services, which include: health and wellness, swimming and sports, day camps, child care, youth and government, the Winchester Youth Service Bureau, Torrington Youth Service Bureau, the Torrington Trails Network, Winsted Trails, Literacy Volunteers of NWCT, lowincome housing and an emergency homeless shelter.

“We’re so grateful for the support from so many who care about those forced to sleep outside.” Greg Brisco, Northwest CT YMCA’s CEO

Contributed photo The YMCA’s annual Freezin’ for a Reason fundraiser and awareness event will be held Dec. 13 at East End Park in Winsted. Above, participants at a previous event warm up.