Beloved CT homeless outreach Brian’s Angels closing its doors after 11 years due to lease non-renewal

Brian’s Angels, a nonprofit homeless outreach in Bristol, announced that its community center will be closing at the end of August after 11 years. Founded in 2015 by Pat Stebbins, the organization has operated from the Prospect United Methodist Church at 99 Summer St. for the past decade. The church recently decided not to renew the nonprofit’s lease, marking the end of a long-standing partnership.

Stebbins expressed gratitude for the church’s support over the years, noting their accommodating nature. The church was contacted for comment but did not respond in time for this publication. Brian’s Angels has been a vital resource for the community, offering essential services to those in need.

The center is open from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and is closed on Mondays. A rotating group of about 25 volunteers operates the center daily, supporting approximately 40 to 50 unhoused individuals. The organization provides immediate need items such as toiletries, nonperishable foods, and clothing. It also offers temporary shelter, job-seeking assistance, and help setting up bank accounts.

Since the COVID pandemic in 2020, Brian’s Angels has provided daily hot meals, snacks, and bag lunches Tuesday through Sunday. These services have been crucial in meeting the basic needs of many in the community.

Many Bristol residents expressed their appreciation for the nonprofit after the announcement of its closure. One volunteer described Brian’s Angels as a keystone in the community and a vital mutual aid network. They noted the importance of the work in providing clean clothes, food, water, and hygiene to the most vulnerable.

Another Facebook commenter shared their emotional reaction to the news. They stopped by to donate and were told by the staff that the lease would not be renewed. They described the organization as an incredible program that helps many people, with Pat and her volunteers working tirelessly to care for, feed, and offer hope to those who come through their doors.

Others highlighted the personal impact of Brian’s Angels, particularly after losing a family member. The organization has touched lives in profound ways, offering dignity and respect to individuals in crisis.

The closure of Brian’s Angels underscores the ongoing challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and the critical role of community-based initiatives in providing support and hope. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable.

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