What started out as a trespassing complaint, has become an example we all need fresh on our minds going into the holiday season. On Nov. 17, officers were dispatched to the Quality Inn, 30 East Frontage Road, for a report of an individual whose payment was declined due to insufficient funds.

Upon officer’s arrival, they met Robert Chapin and his therapy dog Lilly. Chapin explained that he was a Vietnam veteran and that he had recently traveled from Texas to Connecticut to live with a female who promised him companionship. It turned out, after giving her the last of his money, that he was a victim of a terrible scam.

Stranded and strapped for cash, Chapin sold his car to pay for a hotel room for a period of time. Once that money ran out, he found himself, and all of his belongings at the Quality Inn without a way to pay for another night.

Sergeant Joe Mulhern, Officer Jon Trinh, and Officer Jack Messina immediately stepped in to help. After hearing that Chapin hadn’t eaten in several days, contact was made with Chili’s, which not only fed him immediately, but also prepared several meals for him to take on his way.

Quality Inn also agreed to house Chapin and Lilly for another night while other arrangements were being made. Trinh continued to work on finding shelter for Chapin and Lilly throughout his shift and was finally directed to the La Quinta Hotel on Long Wharf, which agreed to provide a more permanent shelter to the duo. During Trinh's efforts to find placement for Mr. Chapin, he was referred to the Columbus House Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, which works closely with La Quinta to house homeless veterans. After a screening process, Chapin and Lilly joined other veterans at La Quinta for a more permanent place to stay.

The East Haven Public Works Department responded and helped relocate all of Mr. Chapin’s belongings over to La Quinta.

We, as an agency, are so proud to have played a part in this happy ending. We are also extremely appreciative of the generosity shown by the Quality Inn, Chili’s Bar and Grill, La Quinta, and the East Haven Public Works Department.

Far too often, veterans, the people who have selflessly put their lives on the line to secure our way of life find themselves in a position where they need our help as individuals and as a community. Because of many different factors, veterans often struggle with housing stability. Connecticut has made significant progress in the elimination of veteran homelessness, but with the help of community members and businesses, even more progress can be made.

If you know a veteran struggling with homelessness, help is out there. You just have to know where to look. Anyone who is interested in helping can start by visiting the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness at cceh.org.