Advocate

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Watch coverage of the Rescue the Homeless Response System Press Conference on Feb 9

 

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Read "Don’t Like Encampments? Fund Solutions" by Margaret Middleton, CEO in the New Haven Independent



Connecticut's current legislative session runs January 4 - June 7. We need your voice to help end homelessness!
 

Columbus House has joined the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and our many partners across the state to "Rescue the Homeless Response System." We must convince our legislators and Governor that the critical services we provide – which save lives and public dollars – can only happen with reliable yearly funding. Our sector is requesting that $50M be permanently invested in the state budget to make our vital work possible.

 

 

JUNE 8, 2023 UPDATE

 

End of Legislative Session – A Message from Margaret Middleton, CEO


Dear Columbus House Community, 

 

The legislature has passed a budget for the next two years. It is not a budget that reflects our values or values our work. However, while the outcome was not what we hoped it would be, we collectively raised our voice against homelessness and should be proud of our effort.


…continue reading

 

 

MAY 23, 2023 UPDATE

 

Currently, state budget negotiations remain underway. Thanks to all of your hard work, we have legislative support to add $10M to the state budget to help Rescue the Homeless Response System (reduced from the $50M we initially requested and the minimum we truly need to address the chronic underfunding of our services).

 

We need you to call the Governor as soon as possible, and request that he add $10M to the state budget.

 

Please use this prompt for calling the Governor’s office at 860-566-4840.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

 

WE NEED YOU TO ACT NOW!

Please join Columbus House advocates’ push for help from the state legislature. We face a historic staffing crisis driven by increases to the minimum wage and inflation that threaten our ability to provide essential services people in crisis depend on. We are honored to work on behalf of this community and depend on the community’s resources to make that work possible. Early draft budgets from the Governor and Appropriations Committee do not provide the resources necessary to maintain the homeless response. If you do not want to see services to people experiencing homelessness cut in your community please consider joining our advocacy efforts.

 Here's what we need you to do NOW: 

  • Email or call the members of the Appropriations Committee and ask them to Rescue the Homeless Response System. FIND LIST OF MEMBERS BY CAN (Coordinated Access Network*) HERE
  • Email or call your legislators and ask them to support adding $50 Million to the state budget. FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR HERE


TOOLS & ADDITIONAL ACTION ITEMS:

  • View our legislative agenda 

  • Email your legislators and municipal leaders, share the data points and tell them to support our agenda items. 

    Find fact sheets & more tools on CT Coalition to End Homelessness's website. 
    Find your legislators here.

  • Watch Columbus House staff testify to the Housing Committee in the videos below.

  • Share this info with your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to take action! 

  • Keep up-to-date on important news and pending legislation that impacts Columbus House by following us on social media or sign-up for our e-newsletter.

 *Learn more about Coordinated Access Networks here.