Crime & Safety

Homeless Hospitality Center Closed Due To Suspicious Powder

Police evacuate building on Monday afternoon

The New London Homeless Hospitality Center will be closed until a suspicious white powder found at the building on Monday afternoon can be tested in the state laboratory.

According to Lt. Brian Wright and Capt. Steve Crowley of the , police were informed at approximately 3:47 p.m. that a person had received and opened an envelope containing white powder at the center. Some of the powder came out of the envelope onto the person's clothing as well as the center floor.

A staff member at the center evacuated the building prior to the arrival of the police and . The Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ledge Light Health District, and the Groton Sub Base Hazmat team also responded to the center. A safety perimeter was established around the building and the envelope and powder were taken away for testing.

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The center provides daytime services for the homeless, including mail, phones, laundry, and showers.

Cathy Zall, executive director of the Homeless Hospitality Center, said the daytime services will be provided at in the interim. The church hosts the overnight homeless shelter as well.

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"At least we have a place that's open, especially on a day like this," said Zall.

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