Home for the Brave Celebrates Major Expansion With Ribbon Cutting in Bridgeport

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week at Home for the Brave in Bridgeport, celebrating the completion of a major multi-million-dollar renovation aimed at expanding veteran housing and services. The approximately $3.7 million project added 11 new private veteran suites, a new elevator for full ADA accessibility, updated medical and counseling rooms, and a new outdoor courtyard and gathering space designed for therapeutic use and community events.

Local and state officials joined staff, supporters, and veterans for the ceremony, praising the nonprofit’s continued commitment to helping formerly homeless veterans transition into stable, independent lives. The expansion allows Home for the Brave to serve more veterans at a time when housing insecurity remains a critical issue across Greater Bridgeport.

Bridgeport Public Schools Reports Lowest Chronic Absenteeism Rate in Five Years

Bridgeport Public Schools announced significant progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, reaching the lowest rate in five years. According to the latest data shared with the district by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bridgeport Public Schools has reduced its chronic absenteeism rate to 22.6 percent as of October 2025, a major improvement from 32.0 percent in October 2024 and below pre-pandemic levels.

Five Year Comparison of October Chronic Absenteeism
2025 – 22.6 percent
2024 – 32.0 percent
2023 – 28.0 percent
2022 – 29.9 percent
2021 – 30.6 percent
2020 – 31.1 percent

Early internal indicators for November show continued progress, with the district estimating 23 percent, compared to historical November rates that typically range from 27 percent to 32 percent.

“These numbers show us something important. Our collective work is taking hold,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “This progress is the result of principals leading with intention, teachers building strong relationships, and school teams staying connected with families. When our district comes together with one purpose, our students feel the difference.”

This milestone is a testament to the collective effort of administrators, principals, teachers, support staff, families and community partners working through the District Attendance Team. The work is district wide, and every school, grade level and team is engaged.

The District’s Attendance Team has strengthened:

Analyzing real time attendance data
Family outreach and home visits
School based attendance teams
Incentive and engagement programs
Transportation and communication supports
Social and emotional learning and connections to community partners
Creating positive school climate and culture across the district

“This progress reflects the power of partnership,” said Carli Rocha-Reaes, Director of School Counseling and Partnerships. “Thank you to our families for trusting us and sending your children to school every day, and to our students for showing up ready to learn. Together, we’ve achieved something meaningful and together we will keep raising the bar for what’s possible.”

Bridgeport Public Schools encourages staff, families and partners to stay focused through the holiday season, a period when attendance typically dips across Connecticut.

Man Charged After Stabbing at Wood Park

Bridgeport Police arrested Evens Dorvelus, 46, on Friday night after a stabbing at Wood Park near Wood Avenue and Benham Avenue shortly before 9 p.m. Officers located Dorvelus minutes later walking on Laurel Avenue with a blood-covered knife in his possession, and he was taken into custody.

The 37-year-old victim was transported to St. Vincent’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery for a neck wound and is expected to survive. The motive remains unclear, though witnesses reported the victim may have been trying to diffuse a dispute between Dorvelus and another man.

Dorvelus was charged with Assault in the First Degree and Breach of Peace in the Second Degree, and was held on $100,000 bond.

Jury Finds Bridgeport Man Guilty in Amazon Lot Shooting

A Bridgeport jury has convicted 28-year-old Anthony Vann of first-degree assault for shooting Uber driver Joel Santana Garcia outside the Amazon facility on Long Beach Boulevard in August 2023.

Prosecutors said Vann fired nine shots at the SUV after an argument in the parking lot seriously injuring the driver. Vann admitted pulling the trigger but claimed he acted in self-defense, saying he feared the vehicle would back into him.

Jurors deliberated for about two hours before returning the guilty verdict. Vann has been jailed since his arrest and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20.

Original reporting by court reporter Ethan Fry of the Connecticut Post.

Bridgeport Police Investigate Serious Motorcycle Collision on Main Street

Bridgeport, CT — November 16, 2025 — At approximately 11:00 a.m., Bridgeport Police Patrol Officers responded to the area of Main Street and Goldenrod Avenue for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and a 4-door sedan. Medics and Bridgeport Firefighters arrived quickly, provided medical aid, and transported the motorcycle operator — a 35-year-old Bridgeport woman — to a nearby hospital. She is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

Upon arrival, officers located the motorcycle in the southbound lane of Main Street near the intersection. The operator of the sedan, a 75-year-old Bridgeport resident, remained on scene, cooperated fully with police officers, and reported no injuries.

The Bridgeport Police Accident Reconstruction Team responded to conduct a detailed investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the motorcycle was traveling southbound on Main Street when the northbound sedan attempted a left turn onto Goldenrod Avenue, resulting in the collision.

The roadway at Main Street and Goldenrod Avenue has since been cleared and reopened to normal traffic.

The Bridgeport Police Traffic Division reminds riders that motorcycles — including smaller-engine models of 50cc and above — are fully regulated motor vehicles under Connecticut law. Riders must operate them on public roadways only, in full compliance with all traffic regulations. Motorcyclists are also urged to wear properly secured DOT-approved helmets and remain vigilant, as even low-speed impacts can result in serious head injuries.

Anyone with additional information about this crash is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Traffic Division, Officer Eroildo Quiles, at 203-576-7640.

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