PAST EVENT: 2024 Annual Meeting
December 5, 2024
Thank you for making our 2024 Annual Meeting an inspiring morning to remember! Together, we raised over $34,000 to support our mission of ending homelessness and creating a stronger, more compassionate community. View photos on Facebook
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
VP at Wells Fargo and Board President of Partnership for Strong Communities
INSIGHTS SPEECH
Columbus House Board Member
Click to watch Caroline's Speech
2024 JOHN S. MARTINEZ COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDEES
Baron, Kiku, Michael & Matthew Jones
Saint John XXIII Parish Midnight Run Group
The Smart Family Foundation of New York
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
View sponsorship opportunities (pdf) and download the sponsorship form (pdf) to learn more and submit your sponsorship. Thank you!
RSVP REQUIRED BY DECEMBER 2
There is no fee for our Annual Meeting, but you must register to attend. Please RSVP to Phalakorn at 203-401-4400 x131 or email pphonyothee@columbushouse.org to save your spot!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Table Sponsors
The Jones Family
Baron, Kiku, Michael & Matthew
Associate
Alera Group, Inc.
Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
Ironwood Capital
KeyBank
McCarter & English, LLP
Webster Bank
Friend
Connecticut Health Foundation
Gray Organschi Architecture, LLC
Grace & St. John's Episcopal Church (Dinner for a Dollar)
Holly J. Raider, PhD
Wiggin and Dana LLP
Watch last year's Insights Speaker, Cody, share his experience and gratitude for the programs you help make possible:
View photos from our 2023 Annual Meeting on Facebook
Speakers
Terence Floyd
We’re thrilled to welcome Terence Floyd, Wells Fargo Vice President and Senior Social Impact Specialist, Philanthropy & Community Impact for CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME, as the keynote speaker for our annual meeting! With over 20 years of experience in community development—including mortgage lending, affordable housing, and homeownership programs—Terence also serves as Board Chair for the Partnership for Strong Communities and chairs the LISC and BNT advisory boards. He is a business development expert in areas of minority and low-to-moderate income lending, first-time homebuyers, and affordable housing development and investment. His extensive relationships across corporate, non-profit, and government sectors—such as the Federal Reserve Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, state housing agencies (CHFA and DOH), CT Mortgage Bankers Association (where he is former board president), and multiple non-profit housing agencies throughout Connecticut and New York—make him a powerful advocate for affordable housing solutions in Connecticut.
At Wells Fargo, Terence administers grants and oversees nonprofit programs focused on housing, including homelessness prevention, foreclosure prevention, policy, and advocacy, all aimed at serving underserved populations with real, measurable outcomes. Over the past six years, he has further expanded his scope to impact small businesses, address climate change and sustainability, and more.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Terence for his unwavering commitment to advancing housing equity and creating lasting solutions for underserved communities.
Caroline Beltre
Caroline Beltre, a Board Member at Columbus House, previously worked as a Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager in 2023. She is now an Assistant Property Manager at Pennrose. Caroline actively advocates for critical safety net programs, using her voice to influence elected leaders. Drawing from her own lived experiences of homelessness, domestic violence, and substance use, Caroline is committed to fighting for equality and helping marginalized individuals persevere through challenges to build resiliency and find their voice. As she puts it, “My purpose is to live fearlessly and boldly in my pursuit of equality for those who have been marginalized.”
2024 John S. Martinez Community Service Awardees
The Jones Family
The Jones Family—Baron, Kiku, Michael, and Matthew—has been a steadfast supporter of those experiencing homelessness for over a decade. Their journey with Columbus House began through an introduction by then Board Member Mohammad Elahee. The family was impressed by Columbus House’s holistic approach, which not only provides temporary shelter but also focuses on long-term solutions, such as securing permanent housing and offering additional resources. Brothers Michael and Matthew launched the Bridge Socks project, donating socks, gloves, and other essential items in gift bags while also educating their peers about homelessness and challenging common assumptions. The Jones Family’s generous contributions, totaling nearly $40,000, reflect their belief in the importance of “sharing God’s blessings and loving one another.” Baron is the Area Director for the Ansonia Boys & Girls Club, and Dr. Kiku Jones is a Professor and Chair of the Business Analytics & Information Systems department at Quinnipiac University. Michael is a senior in Film, Television, and Media, and Matthew is a junior double major in Graphic Interactive Design and Computer Science at Quinnipiac University. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to this incredible family who continues to make a great impact on homelessness.
Saint John XXIII Parish Midnight Run Group
The Saint John XXIII Parish Midnight Run Group provides year-round support to those facing homelessness, with a special focus on the harsh winter months. Known for their compassion and dedication, they’ve delivered essential food, clothing, and encouragement through even the most challenging times, including the pandemic. Founded in 2015 by Deacon Dean Macchio, the group has served Columbus House’s New Haven Shelter on the Boulevard and various winter shelters and programs, including the Hamden Warming Center. Over the past nine years, these wonderful volunteers have provided toiletries, sandwiches, baked goods, footwear, clothing, and outerwear to clients on a regular basis. Deacon Dean expresses that through their work, participants have forged meaningful connections with clients, reflecting on the joy of seeing smiles and the fulfillment that comes from offering support. We are deeply grateful for their enduring care for our clients!
Smart Family Foundation
For 14 years, the Smart Family Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Columbus House and a major contributor to Abraham’s Tent, a community-based program that provided shelter and case management for up to 10 adult men during the winter months. Their ongoing generosity — with contributions totaling $400,000 to date — and commitment to the community have made a lasting difference in countless lives, especially during the coldest months. We are grateful for the Smart Family Foundation’s ongoing financial support and for their trust that we will continue to address the vital needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.