HAMDEN, CONN. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) yesterday hosted a housing grants fair to put area housing agencies in contact with information about federal grants and funding programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers numerous federal grants to assist localities with staffing needs and increased housing services, but the grant process is complex and highly competitive.

“Oftentimes, the process of locating and applying for the many hundreds of grant programs administered by the Federal Government can be a daunting experience for anyone not familiar with the way in which agencies work,” said DeLauro. “This grants fair unites our local housing executives with federal agency representatives to work through the intricacies of the federal grant process.”

The event was held at the Thornton Wilder Auditorium in the Hamden Miller Library and drew nearly 60 housing executive directors. Hamden Mayor Carl Amento kicked off the day by welcoming local representatives. Speakers included:

Hazelann Cook, Executive Director, Hamden Housing Authority

William Vasiliou, NAHRO CT President, and Executive Director, Middletown Housing Authority

Peter Dougherty, Director, Homeless Veterans Program Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Gary King, President, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority

Jennifer Smith Turner, Deputy Director, Connecticut Dept. of Economic and Community Development

Mark Ronaldes, Vice President for Lending and Community Development, Connecticut Housing Investment Fund

Marilyn Diaz, Operations Specialist, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Providing federal resources to support local housing programs gets people off the street, helps first-time homeowners, and aids communities with revitalization efforts,” said DeLauro. “These efforts are at the heart of community and economic development.”

DeLauro holds grant fairs annually. This is the first fair she has hosted for housing-specific federal grants.