Save the Date! Newhallville Family Gospel Festival!

Christian Community Commission & Newhallville Promise Land Collaboration 

Present

The Family Gospel Festival! 

Free food, vendors, kiddie lands, games, contests, and giveaways! 

Saturday, August 5th, 2017

Lincoln Bassett School Park

Shelton Avenue, New Haven, CT

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

For more information, call: 203-624-9228

NHS Kicks Off NeighborWorks Week 2017!

On Saturday, June 3rd, NeighborWorks America officially kicked off their NeighborWorks Week events around the country. This year's theme is NeighborWorks Works!

NeighborWorks Week is a nationwide celebration of the good that comes out of neighbors working and playing together. Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and the entire NeighborWorks network are committed to bringing about positive change by improving lives and strengthening communities. NHS is helping residents thrive in New Haven, ensuring that the core needs of individuals are met by listening to our neighbors, no matter their income or professional position, and providing or linking residents to essential services.

This year, NHS of New Haven's volunteer event was themed "NeighborWorks Works for Veterans!"

Staff from both NHS and Save the Sound (a local nonprofit that aims to protect and improve the land, air, and water of Connecticut and the Long Island Sound) came together at the home of veteran, Loreen Lawrence, to make minor repairs and additions which included: sanding and staining a wheelchair ramp at the back of her home, landscaping in the front and backyards, as well as installing an eco-friendly rain barrel, storm drain and rain garden.

We simply cannot thank Kendal Barbery (Save the Sound) and her staff enough! Kendal worked the entire week prior to our kickoff with senior students from Hopkins School in order to prepare the rain garden installation. Kendal was also kind enough to teach the Hopkins Students (and NHS staff) the intricacies of designing and building a system that connects the gutters, rain barrel, storm drain and rain garden. The project will help diminish storm water runoff in the West River and the Long Island Sound and help prevent raw sewage from entering the water system unfiltered. 

At the rear of the home, NHS staff worked diligently on landscaping, as well as performing simple and small repairs to the wheelchair ramp and backyard deck. Staffers also managed to fit in time to stain the deck with a special traction paint.

The work is far from done, but NHS staff members are so proud to have been able to help a Veteran homeowner enjoy her home just a little bit more, become more environmentally savvy, and have a gorgeous deck to relax on. We look forward to a few more volunteer events at Loreen's home.

A few pictures of the event are below, and more can be found on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/nhsofnewhaven.

Meet the Instructor -- Chris Schweitzer!

NHS of New Haven is proud to announce our Inaugural Environmental Leadership Series! 

Learn about the environment and your neighborhood, connect with useful resources and people, and aspire to create your own environmental projects.

This year's workshops are as follows:

June 13, 2017: Climate, Health, and Neighborhoods
June 20, 2017: Home Energy-Efficiency, Going Solar, and Other Renewable Solutions
July 11, 2017: Planning a Project
July 18, 2017: Water in Your Home and Neighborhood
August 1, 2017: Talking Trash, Managing Waste, and Greening Neighborhood Spaces
August 8, 2017: Transportation Matters and Project Showcase

Chris Schweitzer will be facilitating our first Climate, Health, and Neighborhoods!

 

Chris is the Director of New Haven Leon Sister City Project, an organization that promotes education and sustainable development in Nicaragua and New Haven.  

His previous work included community organizing, human rights, youth leadership development, public health, and homeless support.

APPLY TODAY!!

Participants must attend at least five of the workshops listed above. 

Sessions will be held from 6pm-8pm at NHS of New Haven. Dinner will be provided. 

Visit our website to apply today! 

The application, as well as $20 registration fee, is due by June 6, 2017!

Childhood Lead Poisoning Focus Group

written by Chandel Gibbs, NHS Community Building & Organizing Specialist

On Wednesday, April 26th the Connecticut Department of Public Health hosted a Childhood Lead Poisoning Focus Group at Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven.  The target demographic for this focus group was African-American renters, moms, and caregivers of children under 6 years old. 

According to the Center for Disease and Control and Prevention, there is an estimated 434,000 children from ages 1 to 5 years old with lead poisoning, currently defined as a blood lead level greater than 10 ug/dl (micrograms per deciliter). Lead is most harmful to children under age six because it is easily absorbed into their growing bodies, and interferes with the developing brain and other organs and systems. According to recent studies, African-American children are five times more likely to have lead poisoning than white children. About 22% of African-American children living in pre-1964 housing have lead poisoning.

The number of lead poisoned children in Connecticut has gone down over the years, and the Department of Public Health has been focusing their efforts on preventing children from being exposed to lead. 

The purpose of the focus group was to receive input and feedback from participants on conducting effective campaigns around the issue of childhood lead poisoning, and to educate their target demographic about preventing early childhood lead poisoning. The Department of Public Health has held a number of focus groups over the years to ensure that the general public is aware of preventative measures to prevent lead poisoning, with a focus on cleaning methods to eliminate lead dust in the home. 

For more information on ways to prevent lead poisoning, please visit: www.ct.gov/dph/lead

PRESS RELEASE! NEWHALLVILLE RIBBON CUTTING!

For Immediate Release
May 4, 2017
Media Inquiries: Maria Perez-Martinez, 475-227-0530, mmartinez@nhsofnewhaven.org

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE NEWHALLVILLEHOMEOWNER RETURNING TO HER CHILDHOOD HOME

WELLS FARGO AWARDS $150,000 IN PRIORITY MARKETS GRANT TO NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF NEW HAVEN

New Haven, CT — Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, positioning neighborhoods to succeed since 1979, announced today that they will host a ribbon cutting on one of their recently renovated properties thanks to a generous $150,000 Priority Markets Grant from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.. As a partner with Wells Fargo, NHS of New Haven increases its ability to succeed at its mission, which includes affordable housing development, assisting first-time homebuyers, offering trainings on in-home maintenance and energy-efficiency, and extensive resident engagement.

Kent McClun, Wells Fargo Area President for Greater Connecticut, will speak alongside Jim Paley, NHS Executive Director, in front of a newly rehabilitated home at 944 Sherman Avenue in Newhallville. Homebuyer, Robyn Handy, will be in attendance to cut the ribbon to her childhood home. Robyn was raised in the home as a teenager, but after the passing of her father, her family was forced to sell the property. Robyn is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to re-purchase her family home!

“We could think of no better location to receive our award from Wells Fargo,” said Bridgette Russell, Managing Director of NHS’ HomeOwnership Center. “Robyn Handy’s parents were well-respected community members, her brother-in-law is an active minister in Newhallville, and her sister had an established dance studio in the city. This is truly the perfect example of the type of homeowner who will create real and lasting change as a resident of the Newhallville neighborhood.”

“Wells Fargo’s funding of Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven’s revitalization efforts clearly demonstrates the bank’s strong commitment to giving homeowners stunning and energy-efficient homes that will last for decades to come,” said NHS Executive Director James Paley. “We are proud to acknowledge this award, which is a strong reaffirmation of the bank’s support for our work in New Haven.”

“No matter where life takes us, there’s no place like home,” says Kent McClun.  I’m thrilled that Robyn will be able to return to the home she shared with her parents growing up, now as a homeowner and a community leader in her own right.  Days like today are a great reminder of the good things that can happen when the private and nonprofit sectors work together for the communities where we live and work.” 

The ribbon cutting and open house will be held on Wednesday, May 17 at 11AM in front of 944 Sherman Avenue in New Haven. Guests will be invited to take a tour of the home after the presentation is complete.

944 SHERMAN AVENUE (BEFORE AND AFTER)

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven
Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven was incorporated in 1979 with a mission to revitalize selected neighborhoods in New Haven. Over time, our mission has evolved to focus on positioning New Haven’s neighborhoods to succeed by increasing homeownership; making homes beautiful, energy-efficient, and affordable; and helping residents take charge of their neighborhoods. During the course of our 37-year history, NHS has fully renovated and sold more than 275 houses to low- and moderate-income families. www.nhsofnewhaven.org

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, community-based financial services company founded in 1852.  Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 8,600 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet and mobile banking, and has offices in 42 countries and territories.  With approximately 269,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo’s corporate social responsibility efforts are focused on three priorities: economic empowerment in underserved communities, advancing diversity and social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. www.wellsfargo.com

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First Resident Leadership Workshop a Great Success!

Art and Science of Leadership

2017 Resident Leadership Program

               

Last Tuesday, March 28, the Community Building & Organizing department at NHS hosted the first unit of the 7th Annual Resident Leadership Program. The Resident Leadership Program consists of five units that explore topics related to neighborhood, community and leadership development. 

Leslie Radcliffe, NHS’ board member, facilitated the first unit: “The Art and Science of Leadership”. This unit explored leadership as an art and science, and how the two subjects are interconnected. Radcliffe utilized Leonardo Da Vinci as a perfect demonstration of this philosophy. Da Vinci was an Italian polymath, whose work consisted of the interaction of science and art. 

Next, the group participated in a team building activity which centered on a ball of yarn. The purpose of this activity was to illustrate the interconnectedness of individuals based on the construction of knowledge emerging from their collective experience.

Overall, there was a great turnout for the first unit of the Resident Leadership Program. The program participants all come from diverse backgrounds and different neighborhoods. They each have experience with community initiatives and involvement and are interested in developing and/or refining their leadership skills.

We're so proud of this year's program participants and look forward to the next four workshops! 

University of New Haven Students Spend Alternative-Spring-Break as NHS Volunteers

The staff in Community Building and Organizing (CBO) had the pleasure of hosting four students from the University of New Haven for four days of community service during their “Alternative Spring Break,” March 13 through March 17.  Although the cold temperatures and Tuesday’s disruptive blizzard created challenging circumstances for outdoor service work, the students persevered.

On Monday afternoon, CBO Specialist Adam Rawlings supervised the crew as they spread wood chips for walking trails in a section of Beaver Pond Park bordered by Sherman Parkway, commonly known as “Sherman Forest.” In doing so, the students chipped into ongoing efforts that have transformed this park space over the last few years, thanks to the joint effort of NHS of New Haven, Urban Resources Initiative, the New HavenDepartment of Parks and Recreation, and the Friends of Beaver Pond Park.   

After Tuesday’s snowstorm brought Greater New Haven to a standstill, the students returned on Wednesday and contributed to snow removal efforts in the Newhallville neighborhood.  Elias Estabrook, AmeriCorps VISTA and Residential Engagement Specialist, coordinated the crew as they joined ten employees of EMERGE CT, Inc. to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks around NHS-owned vacant properties (in NHS’ portfolio for future development). In the afternoon, Adam and Elias led the students in freeing the sidewalk around the Ivy Street Community Garden, a resident-run garden routinely supported by NHS. 

On Thursday, the students got a break from the cold and assisted staff of the CBO department and HomeOwnership Center by preparing attendees’ handouts for upcoming classes. By devising a coordinated “assembly line,” they printed, stapled, hole-punched and compiled the materials in record time.

Over the course of the week, the four volunteers gave a boost to all three NHS’ departments and witnessed the breadth of our organization’s programs. We greatly appreciate their service.

If you or your organization is looking to volunteer with NHS of New Haven, visit our website and submit a volunteer application.

Meet the Instructor! Resident Leadership Program Highlight!

About the Resident Leadership Program: 

In March 2010, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven launched its Building Leaders, Building Communities: Resident Leadership Program. The program was an essential element of the training and education component of our Neighborhood Revitalization Institute.

Instructor Highlight!

Kica Matos will be the instructor for the fourth session of our resident leadership program (Planning Successful Campaigns).

Kica Matos is the Director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice at the Center for Community Change (“CCC”), an organization whose mission is to empower the people most affected by injustice to lead movements to improve the policies that affect their lives. She has extensive experience as an advocate, community organizer and lawyer.

Since joining CCC, Ms. Matos has been a national advocate for immigration reform and coordinates the work of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, the nation’s largest network of immigrant rights organizations.

Prior to her work at CCC, Ms. Matos served as Deputy Mayor in the city of New Haven, where she oversaw the city’s community programs and launched new initiatives including prisoner re-entry, youth and immigrant integration. 

Matos was previously the Executive Director of JUNTA, New Haven’s oldest Latino advocacy organization.  She also worked as an assistant federal defender for death-sentenced inmates and with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Amnesty International on death penalty and criminal justice issues.

She has a B.A. from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, an M.A. from the New School and a J.D. from Cornell Law School. 

REGISTER TODAY -- JUST 1 WEEK UNTIL THE DEADLINE!

Participants must attend at least four of the workshops listed above in order to receive a NeighborWorks Certificate. Sessions will be held from 6pm-8pm at NHS of New Haven. Dinner will be provided at 5:30pm. 

March 28, 2017: Art and Science of Leadership

April 4, 2017: Mapping Community Assets

April 18, 2017: Understanding Power for Community Change

May 2, 2017: Planning Successful Campaigns

May 9, 2017: Leading Great Meetings

HOW TO APPLY:

There are a number of options you can utilize when applying for our Resident Leadership Program. The application, as well as $20 registration fee, is due by March 14, 2017:

1) Click this link and fill out the online form. Save the document on your computer and then email to cgibbs@nhsofnewhaven.org

2) Click this link and print the application. Then mail to 333 Sherman Avenue, New Haven, CT 06614 (ATTN: Chandel Gibbs). Application must be received by March 14, 2017

3) If you do not have access to a computer, feel free to stop by our offices during normal business hours to pick one up and fill it out in person.