PRESS RELEASE -- NHS ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP SERIES!

For Immediate Release
May 23, 2017
Media Inquiries: Maria Perez-Martinez | 475-227-0530 | mmartinez@nhsofnewhaven.org

NHS OF NEW HAVEN ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP SERIES

SIX-WORKSHOP SERIES TO BEGIN JUNE 2017

New Haven, CT — Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven (NHS), revitalizing neighborhoods for more than 37 years, announced today the launch of their inaugural Environmental Leadership Program. The program is designed to offer New Haven residents the opportunity to learn about the environmental impact on their neighborhoods, and aspire to create environmental projects to better their homes and neighborhoods.

Through a six-workshop series, participants will cover subjects such as climate change, energy-efficiency, storm water management, waste reduction, and the benefits and challenges of sustainable transportation options. In addition, each participant will learn the basics of planning community-based projects, identifying funding resources, and examine outreach and community engagement strategies that will ensure their project’s success. 

Admission for the six-part series is open to all New Haven residents, or participants willing to create a project within New Haven. A $20 fee covers the cost of all classes as well as a pre-workshop networking dinner. Scholarships are available upon request.

“In 2012, the United States Green Building Council awarded our Home Improvement and Energy Conservation Laboratory the highest level of certification, LEED® PLATINUM,” said NHS of New Haven Executive Director Jim Paley. “Since that time, a core tenet of NHS’ mission has been focused on the environmental impacts on New Haven’s neighborhoods and residents. By offering home improvement workshops, winter gardening classes, and laboratory tours, we strive to serve as a leader in environmental and energy-efficiency awareness.”

“The goal of this series is to highlight the myriad of ways in which everything is connected,” remarked Deputy Director of NHS’ Design and Construction department, Kathleen Fay. “Someone’s quality of life, the condition of their home, and the environment in their neighborhood are all related and each one other affects the other. Through these workshops, we hope to inspire residents to make active change within their neighborhoods and their lives – no matter how small – by stimulating their creativity and ability to see opportunities for change.” 

The series will begin June 13, 2017 and offer two workshops in June, July, and August.  Workshops will be held at NHS of New Haven's campus on Sherman Avenue. All participants must apply by June 6, 2017. Further information can be found at www.nhsofnewhaven.org.

About Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven
Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven is focused 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. We believe that increased homeownership, educated homebuyers, and rehabilitated houses will produce stable, revitalized neighborhoods that our clients will be proud to call home. www.nhsofnewhaven.org

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven is part of the national NeighborWorks® Network, an affiliation of more than 230 nonprofit organizations that increase homeownership, produce affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods in more than 4,400 communities across the nation.  www.nw.org

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CT Marches for the Climate

MEDIA ADVISORY

April 17, 2017

Contact: John Humphries – 860-216-7972 (cell); john.humphries1664@gmail.com

CT Marches for the Climate

Senators Richard Blumenthal & Chris Murphy

join with CT Labor, Religious & Environmental Groups to Promote March for Science & People’s Climate March

Tuesday, April 18 @ 11:00am

Common Ground High School (358 Springside Ave.)

New Haven

Senators join CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs

in speaking against Trump Administration’s policies; highlight local efforts 

As the Trump Administration seeks to roll back decades of progress on environmental and climate protection, local and state initiatives in CT continue to advance a shift toward a clean energy economy that creates local jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating healthier, more resilient communities.

The 4/18 press event will highlight:

• Sat, April 22 - Earth Day events, including the “March for Science” in Hartford and New Haven, along with New Haven’s “Rock to Rock” fundraising bike ride; and
• Sat, April 29 - People’s Climate March buses that will transport CT residents to the national march in DC from points all across the state

Speakers will include:

• John Harrity, President, CT State Council of Machinists
• Mustafa Salahuddin, President, ATU Local 1336 (bus drivers’ union in Bridgeport)
• Pam Arifian, Director, United Church of Christ Northeast Environmental Justice Center at Silver Lake Conference Center, in Sharon CT; and a board member of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network
• Tyra deBoise, youth leader at Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church
• Anna Ruth Pickett, Development & Outreach Manager, Urban Resources Initiative
• Giovanni Zinn, City Engineer, City of New Haven

Launched in June 2012, the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs is an innovative partnership between the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) and the CT AFL-CIO that seeks to strengthen collaboration among Connecticut’s labor, environmental, and religious groups in advocating for public policies that address urgent concerns about climate change while creating good-paying jobs for Connecticut’s workers.

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8th ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL FAMILY FESTIVAL FULL STEAM AHEAD: CELEBRATING WOMEN & GIRLS IN S.T.E.A.M!

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2017
Media Inquiries: Maria Perez-Martinez | 475-227-0530 | mmartinez@nhsofnewhaven.org

NHS OF NEW HAVEN ANNOUNCES THEME FOR
8^th ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL FAMILY FESTIVAL

FULL STEAM AHEAD: CELEBRATING WOMEN & GIRLS IN S.T.E.A.M!

New Haven, CT — Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven (NHS), positioning neighborhoods to succeed for 37 years, announced today the date and theme of their 8^th Annual Multicultural Family Festival. The Festival will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2017 and is titled FULL STEAM AHEAD: Celebrating Women & Girls in S.T.E.A.M!  NHS’ family festival, which has become a community staple with residents from all over Connecticut, has featured past themes such as Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, and Environmental Awareness. It is a chance to honor both the diversity and spirit of the New Haven Community and beyond.

From engineers to artists, from scientists to coders, women and girls are learning, excelling, and engaging in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). The festival invites families and children of all ages to explore hands-on activities, exciting games, and inspirational performers geared toward highlighting professional women in S.T.E.A.M. Admission is free and includes games, food, and activities.

“Our family festivals have afforded us with an opportunity to give back to the community,” said NHS of New Haven executive director Jim Paley. “We are thrilled with this year’s theme and are excited to bring the community together for a day of science experiments, refreshments, and meetings with friends to discuss the importance of highlighting women in the arts and sciences.”

“As Marian Wright Edelman once said, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,” remarked HomeOwnership Center Managing Director, Bridgette Russell. “It is more important than ever for our young girls to have powerful, strong role models in the S.T.E.A.M. fields, to   learn the many contributions that women have made within these areas, and to ignite their enthusiasm around pursuing careers focused in math and science.”

The Festival will be held on Saturday, May 13 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at NHS of New Haven's campus on Sherman Avenue. The official event page can be found on NHS' facebook site: facebook.com/nhsofnewhaven.

About Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven
Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven is focused 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. We believe that increased homeownership, educated homebuyers, and rehabilitated houses will produce stable, revitalized neighborhoods that our clients will be proud to call home. www.nhsofnewhaven.org

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven is part of the national NeighborWorks® network, an affiliation of more than 230 nonprofit organizations that increase homeownership, produce affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods in more than 4,400 communities across the nation.  www.nw.org

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PRESS RELEASE! NHS OF NEW HAVEN ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $7,000 IN FUNDING FROM WEBSTER BANK

For Immediate Release
February 7, 2017
Maria Perez-Martinez, 475-227-0530, mmartinez@nhsofnewhaven.org

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF NEW HAVEN
ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $7,000 IN FUNDING FROM WEBSTER BANK

NEW HAVEN, CT – Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven announced today that Webster Bank has contributed nearly $8,000 under the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program. The NAA Tax Credit Program is designed to provide funding for municipal and tax exempt organizations.

Webster Bank’s funding will support energy conservation workshops offered by NHS subsidiary, the New Haven HomeOwnership Center. Workshops are held in NHS’ Home Improvement and Energy Conservation Lab and provide a vital perspective (both financially and environmentally) for prospective and current homeowners. Participants learn about the measures they can take to reduce their energy consumption and lower their utility bills. Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and The New Haven HomeOwnership Center look forward to continuing these class offerings and expanding the number of new and existing homeowners who will benefit from the materials presented in their energy conservation workshops.

“Webster Bank’s funding of our programs clearly demonstrates the bank’s strong commitment to energy conservation and financial responsibility,” said Bridgette Russell, managing director of the New Haven HomeOwnership Center. “Webster Bank’s contribution is a strong reaffirmation of its support of our work to revitalize New Haven’s most challenging neighborhoods.”

“We are pleased to support Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven through our CRA program,” said Jeff Klaus, regional president for Connecticut at Webster.  “By investing in our communities, they become stronger and more vibrant and we applaud the agency’s commitment to this goal and to reducing our carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption.”

LtR: Jeff Klaus, Webster Bank Regional President-Connecticut; Kevin Moran, Webster Bank Senior Vice President, Sales Team Manager; Jessica Buchanan, NHS of New Haven Resource Development Specialist; Nikki Westfall, AmeriCorps VISTA Member; Henry Dynia, NHS of New Haven Director of Design and Construction

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and its subsidiary the New Haven HomeOwnership Center, work to revitalize selected neighborhoods in New Haven by increasing homeownership; making homes beautiful, energy-efficient, and affordable; and helping residents take charge of their neighborhoods. We believe that increased homeownership, educated homebuyers, and rehabilitated houses will produce stable, revitalized neighborhoods that our clients will be proud to call home. During the course of our 37-year history, NHS has fully renovated and sold more than 270 houses to low- and moderate-income families (www.nhsofnewhaven.org). NHS of New Haven is a chartered member of the NeighborWorks America network (www.nw.org). 

Webster Financial Corporation is the holding company for Webster Bank, National Association. With $25.6 billion in assets, Webster provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, financial planning, trust, and investment services through 175 banking centers and 350 ATMs. Webster also provides telephone banking, mobile banking, and Internet banking. Webster Bank owns the asset-based lending firm Webster Business Credit Corporation; the equipment finance firm Webster Capital Finance Corporation; and HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, which provides health savings account trustee and administrative services. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.

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PRESS RELEASE!

For Immediate Release
December 9, 2016
Maria Perez-Martinez, 475-227-0530, mmartinez@nhsofnewhaven.org

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF NEW HAVEN
ANNOUNCES $500,000 FUNDING FROM EVERSOURCE

NEW HAVEN, CT – Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven announced today that Eversource has contributed $500,000 under the State House Tax Credit Contribution (HTCC) Program administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. The funding will support NHS’ Comprehensive Neighborhood Stabilization and Revitalization Initiative and the HomeOwnership Center’s Homebuyer Promotion and Preservation Program. In 2017, these programs are poised to rehabilitate 12 houses, totaling at least 20 units for affordable homeownership in addition to providing homebuyer education, financial literacy training, and foreclosure prevention counseling. 

 “This contribution from Eversource will play a significant role in helping us to strengthen our comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy,” said Bridgette Russell, Managing Director of NHS’ HomeOwnership Center. “Eversource’s dedication to affordable housing organizations helps to strengthen communities and create economic growth in New Haven.”

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and its subsidiary the New Haven HomeOwnership Center, work to revitalize selected neighborhoods in New Haven by increasing homeownership; making homes beautiful, energy-efficient, and affordable; and helping residents take charge of their neighborhoods. We believe that increased homeownership, educated homebuyers, and rehabilitated houses will produce stable, revitalized neighborhoods that our clients will be proud to call home. During the course of our 37-year history, NHS has fully renovated and sold more than 270 houses to low- and moderate-income families (www.nhsofnewhaven.org). NHS of New Haven is a chartered member of the NeighborWorks America network (www.nw.org). 

Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas for more than 3.6 million electric and natural gas customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of its approximately 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of delivering reliable energy and superior customer service. For more information, visit their website (www.eversource.com), follow them on Twitter (@EversourceCorp), and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceEnergy).

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Mural Unveiling -- Media Advisory -- 10/7

PRESS RELEASE: Celebrating NeighborWorks® Week 2016!!

For Immediate Release
May 23, 2016
Maria Perez-Martinez, 475-227-0530, mmartinez@nhsofnewhaven.org

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF NEW HAVEN TO CELEBRATE
NEIGHBORWORKS® WEEK 2016 WITH MULTIPLE EVENTS

The series of events and activities will culminate with a community garden clean-up,
Barbecue, and launch of the Newhallville99 project.

NEW HAVEN, CT – On June 1, 2016, volunteers from Bike & Build will join Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven staff to beautify the Ivy Street Community Garden and Greenhouse, the Shelton Avenue Learning Corridor, and the Farmington Canal Trail. The Bike & Build volunteer event will kick off a celebration of neighborhood revitalization activities nationally recognized as NeighborWorks® Week.

During NeighborWorks® Week (officially June 4-12), NHS of New Haven and other NeighborWorks® organizations across the country will mobilize tens of thousands of residents, business people and government officials in a week of neighborhood change and awareness. NHS of New Haven will host and partner with a number of New Haven groups to offer a variety of activities. From workshops on money management to leading hikes during CT Trails Day to offering free garden workshops, NHS of New Haven plans to ensure that New Haven residents have opportunities to serve, thrive, discover, connect, and celebrate.

The series of events will culminate on Saturday, June 11 at a community garden located at 49 Bassett Street. NHS of New Haven staff, residents, and volunteers will clean and plant the garden. Afterward, there will be a community Barbecue, a walking tour of NHS homes led by NHS Executive Director Jim Paley, and the launch of the Newhallville99 project.

The Newhallville99 Project is designed to celebrate the rich and vibrant history of the Newhallville neighborhood, and to highlight recent initiatives and accomplishments within this community. Newhallville99 is a way for everyone (residents of Newhallville or not) to be motivated to engage with their communities, be proud of where they live, and look forward to a future of never ending possibilities.

“Each June, we are thrilled to be a part of NeighborWorks® Week,” remarked Jim Paley. “It’s a great opportunity for NHS of New Haven to highlight the work that we do with residents, volunteers, and community groups throughout the year. This year’s theme, Creating Opportunity, has allowed us to plan events and activities that invite the community and other organizations to join us in volunteer opportunities, educational workshops, and group meetings – to learn how we can all collaborate to make a positive impact on communities in New Haven and throughout Connecticut.”  

Complete List of NeighborWorks® Activities
Further details can be found on NHS’ website: www.nhsofnewhaven.org

June 1, 2016: 8:30am-4:00pm Bike & Build: Pedal for Affordable Housing	June 2, 2016: 5:15pm-8:15pm Pre-Closing Education Workshop
June 4, 2016: 10:00am-12:30pm CT Trails Day: West River Greenway #1	June 5, 2016: 10:00am-12:15pm CT Trails Day: West River Greenway #2
June 6, 2016: 5:30pm-7:30pm New Haven Energy Task Force Meeting	June 8, 2016: 9:15am-11:30am West River Watershed Coalition Meeting
June 9, 2016: 5:00pm-8:00pm Money Management Workshop	June 10, 2016: 4:00pm-6:00pm West River Water Festival Launch Party
June 11, 2016: 10:00am-12:00pm Seed Swap Garden Workshop	June 11, 2016: 9:00am-12:00pm Community Garden Clean Up, BBQ, and Newhallville99!

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven works to revitalize selected neighborhoods in New Haven by increasing homeownership; making homes beautiful, energy-efficient, and affordable; and helping residents take charge of their neighborhoods. We believe that increased homeownership, educated homebuyers, and rehabilitated houses will produce stable, revitalized neighborhoods that our clients will be proud to call home. During the course of our 36-year history, NHS has fully renovated and sold nearly 450 units to low- and moderate-income families. www.nhsofnewhaven.org

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven is part of the national NeighborWorks® Network, an affiliation of more than 240 nonprofit organizations located in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In 2015, the Network helped­­­­ nearly 356,000 individuals and families with affordable housing and counseling. The Network was founded and is supported by NeighborWorks® America, which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. www.nw.org

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