Changing lives

Locals lauded for leadership, advocacy on behalf of the homeless

HARTFORD — The recent Partnership for Strong Communities Reaching Home Housing Awards Dinner celebrated the collaborative successes of Connecticut’s housing advocates, leaders and organizations, and the progress made in preventing and ending homelessness across the state, according to a news release.

Recipients were recognized at a ceremony at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven June 14.

⏩ The 2018 Carol Walter Housing Tenant Award was presented to Carla Witmer of St. Vincent de Paul Middletown’s Next Steps Program. These recognize two housing tenants who show commitment to advocacy for permanent housing solutions, exhibit leadership skills, and work to make their community a better place, the release continued.

⏩ The 2018 Diane Randall Leadership Award was given to the Middlesex County Community Care Team.

The award, a partnership between Middlesex Hospital and St. Vincent

De Paul Place of Middletown, recognizes an individual or group who demonstrate exemplary leadership in the public or private sector by promoting systems change, policies and funding that create solutions to prevent and end homelessness, according to the press release.

“These exceptional individuals help lead the charge to prevent and end homelessness through their tireless work and activities,” Alicia Woodsby, Partnership for Strong Communities executive director, said in a prepared statement.

“The amount of effort is nothing short of aweinspiring, and, most importantly, has moved the needle on putting an end to homelessness, as evidenced in the reduction of homelessness numbers. We are excited to celebrate these individuals and inspire further successes,” she said.

The annual event brings together hundreds of policymakers, advocates and service providers, and features awards and recognition for professionals who have strived to provide new homes and vital services to those who have experienced homelessness, and have helped those who have fallen on difficult times the ability to return to or find new homes, work, education, training, and reconnection with friends and family.

“Now, more than ever, we need courageous risktakers and bold innovators at the local level to demonstrate that change is possible,” keynote speaker Rafael Lopez, a former Obama Administration official, said in a prepared statement.

“No one person, organization, agency or business can end homelessness on its own. We must strengthen our partnerships across sectors to generate solutions that change the lives of those we serve,” Lopez added.

For information, visit pschousing.org.

“These exceptional individuals help lead the charge to prevent and end homelessness.” Alicia Woodsby, Partnership for Strong Communities

Gary Lewis / Contributed photo Carla Witmer, right, of St. Vincent de Paul’s Next Steps program, reacts to receiving a $500 gift card and an award from the Partnership for Strong Communities for her commitment to finding permanent housing solutions for the homeless.

Mark Walerysiak Jr. / Contributed photo Angel Cott, left, and Jammel Nelson, both members of the Youth Action Club, pose for the camera at the awards.