By Laura Bailey
Before Brian’s Angels opened their doors on Wednesday afternoon, dozens of people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness were lining up to receive the comfort, food and temporary shelter provided by the Bristol nonprofit.
“New faces are coming in every day,” said Pat Stebbins. “I see some of my regulars here today, but a lot of these are new clients. People need help; they can’t always make it on their own. The numbers are growing; we’re feeding 50 to 60 people a day.”
Stebbins, who founded Brian’s Angels in memory of her son Brian Pinz, feels that the recent uptick in clients has been partially due to the recent ending of fare-free public transit buses.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation suspended fares on all public transit buses on April 1, 2022, to expedite boarding during the COVID pandemic and help residents financially during tough economic times. The CTtransit system resumed fare collection across Connecticut on April 1, costing riders up to $1.75 per ride.
“Losing free bus fare has affected a lot of people,” said Stebbins. “I think that’s part of the reason we’re seeing so many new faces. We’ve been providing people with bus passes since they started charging again.”
Brian’s Angel’s volunteers Phyllis (left) and Aly (right). | Laura Bailey Photos
Among the many services that Brian’s Angels provides their clients are hot meals, clothing, temporary shelter, warming/cooling center and a place to shower.
Stebbins said she is grateful for the shared space the nonprofit currently occupies, in the lower level of Prospect United Methodist Church, located at 99 Summer St.
However, she said that she is concerned that the surge in the number of clients has created the need for a larger space.
“We can fit about 20 people at the tables if they’re elbow to elbow and we’re feeding more than twice that,” Stebbins said.
Brian’s Angels interior. | Laura Bailey Photos
Brian’s Angels will be holding a musical fundraiser on July 22 that will help to cover their growing number of expenses. “Angel Fest” will feature four musical acts from 6 -11 p.m. at Crystal Bees in Southington.
“It’s going to be a blast,” said Stebbins. “We’re grateful for all the musicians and everyone involved.”
Stebbins added that she was thankful for all the donations that Brian’s Angels has received this year from both local individuals and organizations.
“People are so generous,” said Stebbins. “The community has been great; we’ve been blessed.”
To learn more about Brian’s Angels, visit https://briansangels.org
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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