The McKinney Shelter in south Hartford recently opened its doors as the first shelter in Connecticut housed in a converted hotel.
The 80-bed facility, located at the former Days Inn hotel on Brainard Road, is run by the nonprofit Community Renewal Team CRT and offers more than just a place to stay.
It provides a range of services, including on-site behavioral health support, case management, housing readiness programs, employment and GED training, and more.
Peter Kouloganes, a resident, shared his story about how The McKinney has restored his sense of hope and allowed him to plan for his future after facing homelessness due to medical costs.
Kouloganes spoke about regaining his dignity and hope after moving into the shelter.
Lena Rodriguez, CRT’s president and CEO, emphasized that the shelter’s mission is to empower individuals through comprehensive wrap-around services in a dignified and respectful environment.
The facility includes medical staff, private offices for client meetings, a computer lab, and spaces for counseling and workshops.
The project was funded with $5.1 million from the state for renovations and acquisition, plus $700,000 for operations. Seila Mosquera-Bruno, state Department of Housing Commissioner, highlighted the importance of offering services in one location, allowing residents to focus on rebuilding their lives without the added stress of transportation challenges.
The shelter is already at full capacity, with a rehabilitative timeline tailored to each resident’s needs instead of time limits on stays.