The city of Hartford, Connecticut, is taking significant steps to address the growing homelessness crisis by proposing changes to zoning laws. The plan aims to expand potential locations for shelters, which have faced increasing demand amid a backdrop of rising homelessness.
For over three years, the South Park Inn, a shelter located on Main Street since 1984, has sought a new site to consolidate its services and transition away from its dormitory-style accommodations. Despite this ongoing search, the shelter, along with other facilities, has struggled to secure a suitable location. Currently, Hartford’s shelters are confined primarily to industrial zones, which shelter operators argue create barriers to access essential services like transportation and food.
Theresa Nicholson, executive director of the South Park Inn, emphasized the challenges inherent in these industrial locations. “Being in an industrial zone means limited transportation,” she stated. “It means limited access to food, such as grocery stores. People have to travel. So we really welcome a less restrictive set of rules for shelters.” The city’s proposed changes aim to allow shelters in areas that permit a mix of residential, office, and institutional uses, offering proximity to vital services.
Despite the potential benefits, the proposal has faced backlash from some local leaders. The Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association raised concerns about not being adequately consulted on the changes. In a letter to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, executive director David MacDonald stated, “We firmly believe the state NRZ statute requires NRZ review and approval of all proposed housing in our neighborhood.” The association highlighted a history of negative experiences with rooming houses and existing supportive housing sites in the area.
Amidst these tensions, city officials have decided to withdraw the initial proposal for further study, with plans to revisit the issue in February. Hartford’s Mayor Arunan Arulampalam acknowledged the challenge of balancing community input with the urgent need for shelter space. “We have to do it in a way that values the input of neighborhoods, but that allows for shelter space to be created in the city that’s dignified,” he remarked.
The urgency of this matter is underscored by national trends in homelessness. A recent report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness revealed that homelessness rose to a record high in 2024, with approximately 771,480 individuals experiencing homelessness—a substantial increase from previous years. Connecticut has mirrored this trend, with the state’s homeless population rising nearly 10% in 2025. According to the latest census, there were 3,735 individuals living in shelters or outdoors in January 2025, compared to 3,410 the previous year.
In Hartford, the number of year-round shelter beds has also decreased slightly. There were 334 beds available across the city in 2024, down from 348 in 2023. Mayor Arulampalam commented on the city’s disproportionate burden, noting that Hartford houses 90% of the permanent shelter beds while only representing 10% of the greater Hartford area’s population of 1.2 million.
The South Park Inn has reported a 25% increase in demand for its 70-bed shelter program, which frequently operates at full capacity. Marilyn Rossetti, the chief executive officer of The Open Hearth, confirmed similar trends, indicating that shelters are continually filled, leaving many individuals without immediate options. “The minute someone leaves, it’s full,” she stated. “There is no opportunities. That’s the sad part.”
As the city grapples with these complex issues, Nicholson emphasized the need for new locations for shelters. Although South Park Inn has explored potential sites, previous efforts to relocate, such as a failed attempt in 2022, demonstrate the challenges encountered due to neighborhood opposition.
“We’re a city that wants to serve an underserved population well and humanely,” Rossetti said. “What we ultimately want to do is have them become housed. And that takes a little time and effort.”
With the winter months approaching, Hartford is also preparing to open warming centers, which will provide an additional 133 beds from December 1 until March 31. This increase in capacity, up from 96 beds last winter, highlights the persistent need for effective shelter solutions in the city.
The challenges of relocating shelters and expanding services are significant, but city officials remain committed to finding solutions that respect community input while addressing the pressing needs of those experiencing homelessness.
