Connecticut: Gov. Rell Congratulates CHFA on National Recognition for Program to Combat Homelessness

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) – the state’s quasi-public agency charged with helping to increase the stock of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families – has been recognized for excellence by the National Council of State Housing Agencies.

CHFA received the council’s National Award for Program Excellence in the category of Special Needs Housing: Combating Homelessness. The winning programs were judged on originality, innovation, track record, cost/benefit ratio and measurable benefits provided to targeted customers.

“This well-deserved national recognition reflects the outstanding work that CHFA has done to help countless Connecticut families,” Governor Rell said. “Their success will now serve as a national model, duplicated by housing finance authorities around the country. From its exceptional supportive housing programs to its leading role in helping Connecticut homeowners cope with the mortgage crisis, CHFA has been at the forefront of efforts to keep the quintessential ‘American Dream’ alive.

Supportive housing benefits both the people served and the communities where it is located. Individuals at risk for homelessness receive flexible, individualized services that ensure they have a dignified, secure place to live; those services, at a cost of less than $50 per day, are far less expensive than alternatives such as a long-term care facility ($1,236 per day), a nursing home ($341 per day) or incarceration($92 per day).

“I am extremely proud of this award and all of our efforts to eradicate homelessness through the development of supportive housing,” said Timothy F. Bannon, President and Executive Director of CHFA. “Supportive housing combines decent, safe, affordable apartments with individualized health, support and employment services. It is a proven and effective means of reintegrating families and individuals who are experiencing chronic, repeated or persistent homelessness into the community by addressing their basic needs for housing and ongoing support.

“Although we’re delighted to be recognized with this award, the credit for championing supportive housing in Connecticut also belongs to many others, beginning with Governor M. Jodi Rell for her sponsorship of the Next Steps Initiative,” Bannon said. “The Next Steps Initiative is an innovative funding mechanism that has enabled Connecticut to provide new supportive housing for more than 350 individuals and families. Credit also goes to the Interagency Committee for Supportive Housing – these dedicated public and private agencies have been tireless in their efforts to provide our most vulnerable state residents a place to call home.”

Members of the Interagency Committee, in addition to CHFA, include the Office of Policy and Management, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Corrections, the Court Support Services Division and the Corporation for Supportive Housing.