Partnership for Strong Communities

Stable housing changes lives. Thanks to the Head Start on Housing program, families like Marrero's and Candelaria's are finding security, warmth, and a foundation for a brighter future. Housing vouchers aren't shelter, they are a home — they open doors to education, health, and opportunity for our most vulnerable children. https://heyor.ca/8yXnzx

Imagine battling stage 4 cancer while struggling to find a safe, affordable place to live. Bill's story highlights a heartbreaking reality: housing waitlists are closed, and options are scarce for those in need. Housing vouchers are critical lifelines for individuals like Bill, offering hope for stability in the face of unimaginable challenges. Read Bill's story: https://heyor.ca/9MI2F0

From redlining to racial segregation, a city’s built environment tells a powerful story about who’s been valued—and who hasn’t. Discover how these disparities shape New Haven today in our latest publication from Paige Panek, Research Associate with the Partnership. “The Model City”: New Haven’s Architectural Disparities are a Window into the City’s History of Racist Housing and Land Use Policies: https://heyor.ca/T5wkwb

“Ensuring families have access to long-term, stable housing is not only possible, but it’s a moral imperative.” - Governor Lamont Connecticut's Head Start on Housing program is connecting families with young children to permanent homes using housing vouchers. Over 300 children have benefited so far, proving how the combination of rental assistance and critical state partnerships can break cycles of homelessness and stabilize families. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/gOqv03

Highlighting the Partnership's Board Treasurer, Kevin Sullivan! A dedicated leader with a distinguished career in public service, Kevin served as Connecticut's Commissioner of Revenue Services from 2011-2018, driving innovation, productivity, and tax policy. He’s a former Lieutenant Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore, with extensive experience in law, education, and nonprofit leadership. Beyond his public service, Kevin has been an advocate for mental health and a trusted advisor on tax administration. His legacy includes work with Trinity College, NAMI, and multiple community-focused organizations. Learn more about our staff and board: https://lnkd.in/gfRtRK5W

Critics claim that tenant protections are bad for the economy and interfere with a private contract between landlord and renter... Were child labor laws bad for profits by removing a cheap source of labor? Was the eight-hour workday a constraint on factory output? Did the creation of federal workplace standards require additional costs of doing business related to safety training and facility maintenance, thereby preventing tragedies like the factory fire in 1911 where 146 workers died? The government stepped in to regulate the private market because people believed that individuals participating in a system were more important than the system itself. We are at the same crossroads now where the leaders in Connecticut need to decide what threshold of human dignity for tenants they will require. Alysha Gardner, Senior Policy at the Partnership, on Just Cause eviction protections: https://heyor.ca/eqsO6D

We are so thrilled to welcome Kayla Giordano, Senior Strategic Initiatives Manager, to the team! In this role, she aims to help the Partnership align its mission, vision, and long-term goals to advance our shared hope of a more affordable and equitable state. Kayla brings with her a depth of knowledge in affordable housing, particularly in the areas of financing, policy, and community development strategy. Welcome to the Partnership Kayla!

#CAHC2024 brought together more than 600 people from across the affordable housing sector and beyond. It highlighted the latest issues and solutions in affordable housing in Connecticut and beyond. If you were unable to attend part or all of the CAHC, recordings of each session are now available on the Partnership's YouTube channel: https://heyor.ca/6qHxS0 We greatly appreciate everyone that attended and supported the CAHC. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, our Visionary sponsor Wells Fargo and all the other sponsors that helped make the conference happen. Please take a moment to share your feedback on the CAHC: https://heyor.ca/z9nPTW We look forward to seeing you at #CAHC2025 and our collective work to toward creating more affordable housing opportunities for all!

This #Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the opportunity to work towards a future where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home with this incredible team. Together, we can build stronger communities and create lasting change. Wishing you all a warm and joyful holiday from all of us at the Partnership! 🏡

The Partnership joined over 1000 guests and members of 52 congregations yesterday at the Greater Hartford Interfaith Alliance (GHIAA) summit. GHIAA came out in strong support of Just Cause Eviction protections and an intention to form Municipal Action Teams that will work to overcome obstacles to expanding affordable housing in towns and communities across CT. GHIAA and its members are Here for Housing! You can learn more about GHIAA’s New Issue Campaign here: www.cljct.org