Front-line health care workers pushed to the limit, extraordinary lines for food, surging demand for shelter – these were some of the scenes as the pandemic swept through the state during this unprecedented year.
Our photographers captured these moments and more as they illustrated a year’s worth of compelling stories. Scroll through the gallery to see C-HIT’s outstanding photography in 2020 by photographers Melanie Stengel, Steve Hamm, Carl Jordan Castro, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser and Cloe Poisson. And a shout-out to those who shared their photos of the moments our photographers couldn’t get to.
Melanie Stengel Photo.
permalink
Weeks into the pandemic, people wait outside the 164 Wilson Food Pantry to receive food. The pantry is part of the Wilson Memorial Church of God in Christ, Stamford.
Melanie C Stengel Photo.
permalink
A father and son get groceries at 164 Wilson Food Pantry. Looking on is volunteer Billie Johnson.
C-HIT.org Photo.
permalink
Two Woodbridge residents greet workers at The Willows nursing facility each day to show their appreciation. The facility is owned by Genesis HealthCare.
Melanie Stengel Photo.
permalink
Workers prepare to test a woman at the walk-up site on Chapel and Day streets, New Haven.
Melanie Stengel Photo.
permalink
Susana Encarnacion of New London holds an iPad that the city supplied for her son, Jeremiah. Jeremiah is holding the family’s rooster, “Old Man.” The Encarnacions have no Wi-Fi or internet access in their home, beyond a phone hotspot, which made it difficult for them to conduct video talks with Jeremiah’s doctors or school tutors.
Melanie Stengel Photo.
permalink
Sandy Flores of City Seed puts away a bag of $1 tokens at the close of the Wooster Farmers Market. Snap recipients can scan their EBT cards and receive two dollars in tokens for each dollar to spend at the market. Money is also doubled for seniors and WIC recipients.
Cloe Poisson Photo.
permalink
Andrea Mastracchio, (right) a volunteer for Women of the Village Food Pantry, asks client Debby Kahan (left) if she has gotten the flu vaccine. Outreach workers are promoting the flu vaccine in several New Haven neighborhoods.
Carl Jordan Castro Photo.
permalink
For months Tania Rodriguez, 48, and her daughters Charlotte and Caroline were living in shelters. She now has a new home thanks to New Reach, a nonprofit that helps families move into affordable housing.
permalink
Dr. Alvaro Menendez speaking to a patient at the Hartford HealthCare’s Cancer Institute in Windham Hospital. Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Melanie Stengel Photo
permalink
Rev. Robyn Anderson (L) and Rev. Moses Harvill at Cross Center Church in Middletown. They are working together to provide services during this time of social distancing.
Savo Family Photo.
permalink
At home in Rome, the Savo family, Paolo, Beniamino, Andrea and Manuela.
Steve Hamm Photo.
permalink
Dr. Joseph Tagliarini is operating his dental office at nearly full staff and hopes that a new generation COVID test will be developed that will give results on the spot at work or at home.
Melanie Stengel Photo.
permalink
Fanny Quille with her children Rocio Valladares, 2; Beverly Valladares,7; Angel Valladares, 14; and Anthony Valladares, 7 months, in their Wood Avenue apartment in Bridgeport. Their apartment was inspected after Rocio’s 2-year-old checkup, when she was found to have high levels of lead in her blood. Lead was found in the peeling paint at the exterior of the house, which was built in 1911.
Melanie C Stengel Photo.
permalink
A woman positions her groceries as she leaves the Domus Person-to-Person food pantry on Lockwood Avenue, Stamford.
Melanie C Stengel Photo.
permalink
Lines for food were everywhere in Stamford last week. People wait outside the New Covenant Cafe’s food distribution site.
Steve Hamm Photo.
permalink
Leslie Radcliffe, an administrative assistant at Yale University, has been working at home. She drives her brother who lives with her to work and also to be tested weekly for COVID-19. She's worried about the state reopening without enough testing.
Melanie Stengel Photo.
permalink
Using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument, Bridgeport lead inspector Charles Tate prepares to scan an interior doorway of a multifamily Wood Avenue apartment. Looking on are Rocio Valladares, 2; and her brother Angel Valladares, 14.
Cloe Poisson Photo
permalink
Sharon Stevens, director of Women of the Village Food Pantry, asks a client picking up food at the Dixwell neighborhood food pantry if they have gotten the flu vaccine yet. Stevens is one of several outreach workers helping to encourage New Haven residents to get the vaccine.
Melanie Stengel Photo.
permalink
Volunteer Marsha Royster adds canned beef to bags at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen.