Protect Our Children: Danbury, CT

About Us

Our Mission: Stop the Exit 4 Danbury MegaShelter

If you are in need of community services, or would like to learn more/donate to those services supporting Danbury, visit the City of Danbury Human Services page here.

What's Happening

During COVID, Danbury began utilizing 3 Lake Avenue Ext (the former Super 8 Motel) as a megashelter and the city plans to continue this use under private management moving forward.

We desire an independent service to assess the negative impact and danger to the children in the surrounding communities.

The current use and future proposed rezoning is detrimental to the safety of our children, as well as the local community and businesses, if allowed to happen.

The volume of police and fire department engagement at the address and surrounding areas has increased daily with sexual assaults, drug overdoses, prostitution, and burglaries since the temporary use of this facility was granted as a shelter,

The proximity to multiple local elementary schools, and several neighborhoods is of grave concern.

How You Can Help

Join Us! Complete the form below and we'll drop off a yard sign and keep you informed of our meetings
Reach out to your local representative to express your concern
Stay Informed! Join our Facebook group
Sign our petition: Click here
Local business owner? Download a sign.

COMMONLY Asked Questions

For more information and detail on how the Exit 4 Mega Shelter arrived in Danbury, read below!

Who We Are

A diverse group of concerned citizens who support the homeless, quality shelters and programming to assist homeless individuals to regain independence.
We support emergency responders: POLICE, FIRE, AND EMS.
We support safety measures for all emergency responders, including the use of sirens and lights when responding to calls.
Citizens that want to keep neighborhoods safe for all.
Citizens that support the City’s zoning and regulations that limit shelters to 20-beds.
Citizens that support the City’s Comprehensive Plan that states that homeless programs should be run by local organizations.
Citizens that support programs to end homeless and that recognize that “Danbury alone cannot and should not be expected to meet all the varied housing needs of the Region”.

What Do We Object To

Oversized housing shelters that violate the zoning regulations.
The assertion that homeless rooms can count as affordable units.
The idea that anyone transitioning from homelessness would benefit from remaining in the same facility to regain their independence.
The misuse of federal funds to purchase property that is not zoned for the intended use.
The rampant increase in crime at, in and around, the Super 8 motel that has been temporarily setup as a homeless shelter under the guise of an Executive Order issued by the Governor due COVID-19. Criminal activity includes prostitution, drug sales, drug use, overdoses, deaths from overdoses, rape, panhandling, theft.
The denial by the Mayor (Cavo) and the Police Chief that criminal activity in the area has not changed since the shelter was opened.
The proximity of a homeless shelter, which has until recently, housed sex offenders (noting that the sex offender was relocated to a residence closer to the Mill Ridge School and West Side Academy).

Did you know Danbury is already committed to supporting homeless and transitional living?

We are fortunate to live in a city that has incredible resources already accessible to those in need. Prior to the Mega Shelter even being considered, Danbury had over 87 homeless and transitional beds available to men, women, children and veterans in need. This, in addition to almost a dozen food pantries and agencies staffed by professionals and committed to successful transitions, is a substantial commitment to supporting those in our community needing assistance.

If you are in need of community services, or would like to learn more/donate to those services supporting Danbury, visit the City of Danbury Human Services page here.

When is the next City Meeting Scheduled?

The motion to change zoning was denied during the regular Zoning Commission meeting on November 23, 2021. THANK YOU for the community's support!!

The Pacific House ceased operating the Lake Avenue facility in December 2023 due to this ruling.

Where can I read/learn more?

Unfortunately there is limited information available from the city and state regarding the proposed zoning change and long term plans for this facility. Here are the most recent articles and a link to the latest Zoning meeting if you are interested in learning more:

Dec. 21, 2022: Governor Lamont Issues Declaration Enabling

Sept. 28 Zoning Commission Meeting: https://youtu.be/Vqu3WWwJ2rI

Nov. 9 Zoning Commission Meeting: https://youtu.be/dvYIiB2IQv8

Nov. 16 Zoning Commission Special Meeting: https://youtu.be/EzC5RISoSYE

Nov. 23 Zoning Commission Regular Meeting & Vote: https://youtu.be/fpAh4hnGJtM

09/30/2021 WLAD Article

09/30/2021 News-Times Article

11/10/2021 WLAD Article

11/18/2021 News-Times Article

11/24/2021 News-Times Article: Danbury Homeless Shelter Plan Rejected