DeLauro Celebrates the Holiday Season with the New Haven Community
NEW HAVEN, CT (December 23, 2015) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today joined the New Haven community to celebrate the holidays and give back to local organizations. After participating in the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries’ 21st Annual Fantasy of Lights last night, DeLauro visited Columbus House to highlight the organization’s work with the local homeless population.
“Many organizations, including Columbus House and the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, rely on donations and volunteers to serve communities throughout Connecticut. These organizations work year-round to serve our neighbors and I would like to take a moment to thank the many dedicated volunteers who work to keep these organizations running,” said Rosa DeLauro. “While the holidays are a time to celebrate, they are also a time to give. And as you gather with your family, please consider making a donation or taking the time to volunteer with organizations that serve our neighbors. May you and your family have a joyful holiday and a happy and health new year.”
Today, DeLauro delivered donations and toured Columbus House, which first opened its doors in 1982 to provide shelter for homeless men and women. The organization now provides not only shelter, but also housing assistance and services designed to help people who are homeless move toward independence.
“Congresswoman DeLauro has been a champion for the people of Connecticut, and especially for people who are homeless. We know we can count on her to support our efforts by supporting the funding necessary to provide housing and services for people in need,” said Allison Cunningham, Executive Director of Columbus House. This year was no different. In the recently passed federal omnibus spending bill, funding for McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Grants was increased, additional funding was included for new housing vouchers for Veterans, and an increase in funding was approved for the Homeless and Runaway Youth Act. These important federal programs will help us in our efforts to end chronic homelessness in 2016 while we continue to address all forms of homelessness. We are grateful for Congresswoman DeLauro always standing up for these important issues.”
Columbus House’s vision is to one day end homelessness in Connecticut by providing people with the tools they need to become and stay housed. Programs include: outreach & engagement; shelter services; rapid re-housing; permanent supportive housing; and population-specific programs for families with children, seniors, Veterans, and those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as people with behavioral health disorders and histories of incarceration.
DeLauro visit to Columbus House comes after she and her grandchildren joined Easter Seals Goodwill volunteers last night to greet visitors at the 21st Annual Fantasy of Lights. All proceeds from the Fantasy of Lights support the programs of Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, which help people with disabilities and other challenges to become more self-sufficient, giving them a sense of fulfillment and pride. The organization offers employment, educational, social and recreational opportunities to those in need right here in Connecticut.
For more information on Columbus House or to make a contribution, please contact John Brooks, Director of Development at (203) 401-4400 x108 or jbrooks@columbushouse.org
For more information on the Fantasy of Lights, click here: https://eastersealsgoodwill.org/event/fantasy-of-lights/
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