Meet the 2025-2026 Cold Weather Outreach Champions
Created By
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- and 3 partners in our collective impact network
When temperatures drop severely in Connecticut, the Governor's office coordinates with state emergency management officials to activate Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol. The protocol directs state agencies to coordinate with 2-1-1 and CT's network of shelters to ensure anyone in need receives protection from extreme cold weather.
The protocol keeps people safe, though lawmakers and service providers have been pushing for a more clear, predictable, and coordinated protocol. In particular, for staff, cold weather protocol activation often meant cancelled days off, double shifts, and constant schedule adjustments. Staff must work overtime to canvas and outreach to any unsheltered household, coordinate with 2-1-1 around hotel room blocks, ensure transportation is available, and much more.
Despite these challenges, staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure their unhoused neighbors are protected from the elements. This year, we faced one of the harshest winters in recent memory. Connecticut activated the Severe Cold Weather Protocol for 46 days. As such, we wanted to recognize the exceptional dedication and effort of a few outreach specialists in each of our regions - Fairfield County and Northwest Connecticut - who truly went above and beyond to keep their neighbors safe.
Meet our Winter 2025-2026 cold weather outreach champions:
Fairfield County
Courtney Dollar, Homeless Outreach Manager, Liberation Network of Programs
Courtney consistently demonstrated exceptional responsiveness and dedication to client needs well beyond standard working hours. She and her team regularly answered outreach requests late in the evening in coordination with 2-1-1, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness were not left without assistance.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I like to do things that help me recharge and stay grounded – listening to music, reading, eating good food, lifting weights, and hanging out with friends – but I also love to travel, whether it’s a big, planned trip or a day trip. My partner and I will pick a direction and find antique/thrift stores, neat things to do, and maybe an adult beverage or two.
What motivates you to go 'above and beyond' at work?
We work with people who have often been failed by the system before, and even small efforts like taking extra time to really listen to them and understand what they are going through really makes an impact…those small extra efforts can make a real difference and create meaningful trust. Having a strong team that works really well together helps to share the workload, and also working collaboratively with other providers.
If you could help your neighbors understand one thing about homelessness, what would it be?
This can happen to anyone. There is no “one face” of homelessness - I’ve worked with people with PhDs, renowned artists, government workers, and seniors who are homeless for the first time. I’ve also worked with folks who have long family histories of housing insecurity, mental health and substance use, and poverty.
Damien Holley, Homeless Outreach Provider, Operation Hope
Damien consistently went above and beyond the expectations of an outreach street provider. He regularly extended his work beyond scheduled hours to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness received critical support. Notably, he took the initiative to prepare and personally deliver meals to those staying in hotels during severe weather activation periods, ensuring their basic needs were met with care and dignity.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I love spending time with my family as well as enjoying my man cave
What motivates you to go 'above and beyond' at work?
Seeing the joy on the faces of the people we serve once they are sheltered/housed or being reunited with loved ones always excites me. If it comes down to putting in extra time or work, it’s all worth it.
If you could help your neighbors understand one thing about homelessness, what would it be?
I would tell him people don’t wake up and decide to be homeless. There are all types of people facing homelessness for various reasons. Just because one is facing hardship doesn’t mean they are criminals, lazy, failures, etc. Sometimes things happen that’s out of our control so people do what’s best for them at that moment to survive…that’s not homeless nature that’s human nature… to survive.
Eneisha Simmons, Homeless Outreach Provider, Operation Hope
Eneisha demonstrated dedication by assisting a chronically homeless individual—known to the system for over 10 years—access shelter for the first time this past winter. Her persistence and client-centered approach highlights her commitment to reaching those who are often the most difficult to engage.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
Fun. This word brings back so many memories. Nostalgic heartwarming moments. Just the thought about what brings joy and peace into my life. I am a simple creature. Fun is everyday living, peace daily! I love to be cozy while watching a good movie or series.
What motivates you to go 'above and beyond' at work?
I honestly believe in going the extra mile for people. There's just something so rewarding about genuine connection. I'm an optimist at heart, always looking forward to the better. I've learned that not everything clicks on the first try! Sometimes it takes a few attempts, or even a handful, to get where you need to be, and that's perfectly okay. Homeless outreach is deeply humbling.
If you could help your neighbors understand one thing about homelessness, what would it be?
Ultimately, when I talk about something as serious as homelessness, I'd want to convey that it's often about people who are facing loss. Losing a loved one, losing their dwelling, losing their job, losing track of time and not knowing when to leave the party…..much like a child who can't find their way back home. It's not a simple situation, and it really highlights the importance of compassion and reaching out a hand to help guide people back to stability and belonging.
Northwest Connecticut
Shandel Gonzalez, Outreach Worker, Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach
Shandel is known for her compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgmental approach, consistently building trust and meaningful relationships with those she serves. During Cold Weather Shandel assisted meeting with clients after-hours and transported them to warming centers. Engaging with clients at their encampments in preparation of major storms passing through.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
For fun I enjoy being outdoors, exploring new places, and staying active. I love photography and capturing moments that tell a story, and I’m always looking for new peaks to climb.
What motivates you to go “above and beyond” at work?
What motivates me to go above and beyond is my belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Too often, our clients have been let down. Being a consistent, reliable person in their lives, someone who continues to root for them and believe in them is what keeps me going.
If you could help your neighbors understand one thing about homelessness, what would it be?
Homelessness can happen to anyone. Once you’re in it, it can become a vicious cycle that’s incredibly difficult to break. More often than not, it’s not a choice. A single act of kindness can make a lasting impact. People may forget what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel and how you treated them.
Josh Royer, Executive Director, Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach
Josh and his team played a critical role supporting the City of Waterbury and the Salvation Army during severe weather when both agencies operated the local warming center. He demonstrated strong leadership and dedication by connecting unsheltered individuals to life-saving shelter, conducting wellness checks, and providing additional support to on-site staff.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I really value spending time with friends. I find this is how I recharge and stay connected. Whether it’s something simple like hanging out or planning a beach day, I love being by the water and just enjoying that relaxed atmosphere.
What motivates you to go 'above and beyond' at work?
I’m driven to go above and beyond by the ongoing need in our community and a deep commitment to supporting people during their most vulnerable moments. I believe everyone deserves to have their basic needs met, regardless of their circumstances. I’m also motivated by my team and the strong rapport I’ve built with the individuals I work and journey alongside.
If you could help your neighbors understand one thing about homelessness, what would it be?
I’d want my neighbors to understand that homelessness is a complex issue; there’s no single cause and no one-size-fits-all solution. It can stem from a mix of factors like economic hardship, health challenges, trauma, and lack of affordable housing. Homelessness does not discriminate, and it can impact anyone. At its core, I believe housing is a human right, and everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home.
in partnership with
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Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach
The mission of Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach is to locate, engage, and support the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the Greater Waterbury area in an effort to make appropriate referrals that lead to affordable and safe housing.
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Liberation Programs
Liberation Programs is one of Fairfield County’s leading behavioral health organizations specializing in treatment for all types of substance use disorders including alcohol, opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Our goal is to help individuals and families overcome addiction to restore their lives and ultimately strengthen our communities.
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Operation Hope
Operation Hope provides individuals and families the opportunity to experience transformative change. Our programs and services focus on eliminating hunger and homelessness, and are designed to help people solve their crises and build stability in an environment where compassion inspires dignity and hope.
