Milford No-Freeze Program Seeks Volunteers As Community Grapples With Homelessness

Press release via Beth-El Center

MILFORD, CT — The Beth-El center, with support from religious leaders and grass-roots community members, is seeking volunteers to staff no-freeze shelters as the coldest months of the year loom, with the new program confronting rapidly accelerating housing insecurity in the city.

A training for community members interested in helping provide a safe, welcoming environment for people in need of shelter this season is scheduled for Monday, January 12 at 5 p.m., in-person at Trinity Church in Milford. A virtual training will take place on Zoom on Friday, January 9 at 12 p.m.

Now in its second year, the Milford no-freeze program is led by Beth-El, but remains heavily dependent on the support of the community as the city confronts this growing need to shelter people during the harsh Connecticut winter. The program served 206 individuals (and 18 pets) last year according to Beth-El Center director Jenn Paradis, and that number is expected to increase significantly this year.

“We’re so proud that in the city of Milford and in the program we run, we did not turn anyone away last season, and will not turn anyone away this season,” Paradis said. “It is a life-sustaining program.”

Working in teams of two, volunteers are tasked with welcoming guests, helping them settle in and monitoring the facility. On-call staff from Beth-El are available at all times for additional support. Volunteers also assist with setting up and transitioning in the morning, and ensuring guests feel welcome and are supported during their stay.

“We are volunteer-driven,” said Kaylyn Crawford, a Milford resident who is overseeing volunteers in collaboration with Beth-El staff. “It’s integral that we build awareness of the need, because it is only with the support of the community that we can offer this vital service.”

The program runs through April 1, 2026, with overflow locations at Mary Taylor Church and Trinity Church. Milford’s no-freeze overflow program activates when the Beth-El center is full, and when extreme weather conditions are expected (snow, rain or low temperatures). Training will continue to take place on the second Monday of each month (in person at Trinity) and the second Friday of each month (for virtual).

The program has illustrated both the power of individuals working together, as well as the urgent need for services to help people simply survive the harsh conditions of the cold season. Last year, individuals as old as 81 and as young as 18 turned to a Milford no-freeze shelter for help. More than a quarter (27%) reported suffering from chronic illness, while 22% were disabled.

“It’s so important—now more than ever, these services are needed,” Paradis said. “We truly would not be able to do it without you.”

For more information, or to sign up for a training, click here.