DeLauro, Sterling House Leaders Celebrate $1.5 Million for Facility Improvements in House Passed Spending Bill

House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined Sterling House Executive Director Amanda Messon, Board Chair Carl Glad, and Development Director Chris Carroll to celebrate the House passage of $1.5 million to support Sterling House Community Center facility improvements. DeLauro met with students attending the Sterling House summer camp and discussed how the community center benefits Stratford families.

This funding for facility improvements will be used to replace a 135-year-old tile roof, gutter system, and other deteriorating areas of the building's exterior at the Sterling House Community Center. These improvements will support Sterling House as Stratford's largest food pantry and social service agency whose programs include pre-school, afterschool, summer day camp, and many other community services.

"The Sterling House Community Center provided lifesaving services to the Stratford community long before this pandemic," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Sterling House is a touchstone of the community--it is a place where Stratford residents of all ages gather not only for social services but for social interaction. This funding will enable Sterling House to continue their work in childcare, feeding seniors and families, and offering programs that help bring our community members together. This is exactly the type of project I imagined when working to pass spending bills that include Community Project Funding. With these funds, Sterling House can continue its more than 85-year-old tradition of serving our community and transforming lives."

"The entire Sterling House community was so honored for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's visit!" saidSterling House Executive Director Amanda Messon. "We are proud to welcome her to feel the vibrancy and impact of our programs and services firsthand. We toured our beautiful 135-year-old building and while it has served us well, many of the features original to the House are showing their age and impacting our ability to utilize our space and expand our services. Congresswoman DeLauro's dedication and investment in Sterling House is a reflection of her role as a champion of youth, families, and community. Her support will empower us to continue to serve this amazing community for generations to come."

Last week, Chair DeLauro led House Democrats in passing a package of seven government spending bills with funding for community projects nationwide including this $1.5 million for Sterling House Community Center facility improvements.

DeLauro's floor remarks on the seven-bill 2022 spending package are here. A summary of the bill is here.