Residents urge Shelton to demand measurable outcomes for homelessness services

Two public commenters told Shelton City Council on Nov. 18 that the city and its service partners need clearer performance measures and more transparency.

"Where is the tracking of outcomes? Where are the performance metrics that show whether these services are actually reducing homelessness?" asked Dean Givitt, introduced as a resident, business owner and taxpayer. Givitt criticized perceived lack of enforcement of camping ordinances and urged elected leaders to require outcome reporting and performance-based contracts for nonprofits working with people who are unhoused.

Following Givitt, Nancy Hamidze described services provided by the Youth Connection (introduced in her remarks) including daily meal service and outreach. Hamidze said the program serves roughly 30 youth each day, operates food drives and hosts a December celebration, and reported that in 2024 about 86% of her program's participants exited into permanent housing.

Councilors did not take formal action during public comment. Staff and council members acknowledged the concerns and did not dispute the need for outcome information; no agency responses were recorded during the meeting.