Our Past
Founded in 2003 after a person experiencing homelessness died of exposure during a deep winter freeze, the Windham Region No Freeze Project was the brain-child of a group of community activists from non-profits, faith groups and civic organizations. This grassroots seasonal shelter started in a storefront church on Main Street, moving to six different locations and growing in scope over its early history.
Our Present
What started as an all-volunteer effort has grown into a fully-staffed, year-round operation offering a seasonal no freeze shelter November through April, and a year-round walk-in hospitality center. Our hospitality center is open for people to access help that will get them housed and back on their feet, take showers, secure personal and hygiene supplies, access community services, complete 211 intakes, and temporarily store personal items.
Our Vision for the Future
We have purchased a former office building located at 433 Valley Street in Willimantic, close to the services our guests need. It is well-suited to the purpose of our program and the people we serve. We have moved into the building and are working on plans to renovate it in 2023 to meet the needs of guests and staff.
This stable, permanent location will be a place where people at-risk of and experiencing homelessness can access health services, respite care, laundry facilities, and meeting spaces for community and supportive services. In our new technology room, people experiencing homelessness will be able to get help with online services, apply for employment opportunities, and search for housing. In this new space, we will continue to help people gain the independence and confidence to move out of shelter and into permanent housing.
You can help us achieve our vision by donating money, voicing your support, volunteering, or joining our active and committed board of directors.”