Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach

10/30/2026

We are incredibly grateful to share that Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach has been awarded $72,500 annually for the next 3 years through the State of Connecticut Social Equity Council R2 Program!
A massive thank you to the @ United Way of Greater Waterbury and the State of CT Social Equity Council for this incredible investment in our community.

This vital funding not only allows us to increase our reach but supports our Reentry Outreach & Stabilization Team (ROST) that has already allowed us to hire a Reentry Outreach Stabilization Worker. They are already on the front lines, helping justice impacted individuals secure stable, permanent housing, and supports to sustain ongoing success.

Thank you for partnering with BGHO to change lives, invest in reentry initiatives, and bring real stability to our most vulnerable neighbors!

United Way of Greater Waterbury is pleased to serve as Grant Manager for the State of CT Social Equity Council R2 Program for the Waterbury Region, a competitive 3-year grant initiative leveraging CT cannabis tax revenue to support community-based initiatives. The program provides funding to eligible organizations to implement projects focused on Economic Development, Reentry Initiatives (for justice-impacted youth and adults), and Youth Initiatives.

And just in the nick of time! R2 is up and running, and some organization and programs are already making a life-changing difference for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

We’re pleased to share that Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach (BGHO) has been selected to receive $72,500 annually for the next 3 years to invest in their Reentry Outreach & Stabilization Team (ROST).

The dollars have already enabled BGHO to quickly hire Jillian Maisto as the new R2-funded Reentry Homeless Outreach Stabilization Worker. Jillian provides services to people returning to the community after incarceration. She has already assessed the needs of a person experiencing homelessness and helped them secure stable, permanent housing as they work to rebuild their life.

This is the power of partnership, and we are grateful for the partnership of the Social Equity Council and BGHO to change lives and help to revitalize our community.

10/28/2026

We are grateful for our community partners who took the time to come together to hear about the needs in our community, talk about the barriers, and explore the solutions. Thank you United Way of Greater Waterbury for bringing us together.

10/28/2026

A HUGE thank you to White Oak Baptist Church - Cheshire for supporting our unsheltered friends and helping ensure they stay warm throughout the cold winter months. 🧥 ❄️

10/17/2026

When someone reaches out for help and every shelter bed is full, the answer cannot simply be, “There’s nowhere to go.” Homelessness is complicated, and not every situation has the same solution. Diversion means working with someone to identify safe, realistic alternatives before they end up on the street, in an encampment, or in an already dangerous situation.

We are grateful to The Housing Collective for offering on going training to our team that allows us to be the best advocates and support system to the clients we serve.

10/16/2026

Please give a warm welcome to our new Reentry Outreach Stabilization worker Jillian Maisto.

Jillian graduated from the University of Delaware in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts, having studied criminal justice and psychology. During her time at the University of Delaware, she gained experience working closely with individuals experiencing homelessness through academic coursework and volunteer opportunities. Jillian completed her senior capstone at Howard R Young Correctional Facility, where she focused on the critical role of housing stability in supporting individuals as they transition back into the community following incarceration.

Jillian is passionate about serving the community through humanity, generosity, and integrity. She strives to build meaningful relationships with the individuals she serves, recognizing that trust, compassion, and dependability are essential to fostering stability and achieving long-term success. Through her experiences as an undergraduate student, Jillian discovered her passion for community reentry and engagement and developed a commitment to supporting individuals facing challenges by helping them feel valued, empowered, and equipped with the resources they need to succeed.

10/15/2026

Thank you to Beacon Brook Center for Health & Rehabilitation for your continued support of our mission and your dedication to helping keep our unsheltered friends safe and warm throughout the winter season. ❤️

We are truly grateful for your generous donation of blankets and coats. 🧥

10/07/2026

We are incredibly grateful to welcome Michael as a BSW intern for the 2026-2027 academic school year.

Michael is a Bachelor of Social Work student in his final year at Western Connecticut State University who chose Social Work because of his desire to make a positive change in society. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating spaces where individuals feel heard, valued, and respected. Through his internship, he hopes to continue developing his skills while supporting individuals and strengthening his ability to serve his community with compassion and understanding. Michael hopes to have a continuous involvement in outreach throughout his Social Work career.

10/07/2026

We are so excited to welcome Amanda to our team as a BSW intern for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Amanda is an undergraduate social work student at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Her passion for social work comes from a lifelong desire to help others, whether they are friends, family, or strangers. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later transitioned into working as an Independent Living Skills Trainer (ILST), supporting individuals in their daily lives and independence.

Amanda has a strong interest in mental health, human behavior, and understanding how the brain influences our lives. Growing up in Waterbury, Connecticut, she has seen her community change over the years and hopes to use her experiences to give back and support others. Through her internship, she looks forward to learning more about the community, building meaningful connections, and gaining experience that will help her work toward her long-term goal of opening her own practice.

09/28/2026

Sam talks to Sarah Fox, CEO of the CT Coalition to End Homelessness, about the organization's work to reduce homelessness in the state.