Mutual housing is a model of communal ownership of property where an association is formed and each member pays a housing fee to live in the community. The members control the management and governance of the property. The Mutual Housing Associaton of South Central Connecticut has been partnering with non-profit organizations and local and state governments for 15 years to provide high quality, long-term housing for low and moderate-income families. In so doing, they have stabilized neighborhoods and enhanced the quality of lives; currently, the organization is responsible for developments in Ansonia, Branford, Guilford, New Haven and Waterbury. $40 million in investments has netted 217 units under management and 246 units under planning or construction with only 21 employees. All of those accomplishments were cause to celebrate their milestone anniversary at a splendid event at one of my homes away from home — Amarante’s.
mariachi bandGuests of the Board of Directors and staff included residents, government and funding partners and community leaders. The “Trovadores de America” serenaded the arrivals through the registration process and cocktail hour.
After brief remarks by Board President Ed Seibert, Seila Mosquera (pictured) took center stage. A film highlighting the achievements was the prelude to those who were honored for their special contributions. (The Dish would have spread the honorees out over multiple fund- raising events!)
Alphabetically speaking, those receiving the specially designed gifts were: Tim Coppage (CT Housing and Finance Authority), Hon. John DeStefano (New Haven), Bret Hill (first Exec of MHA), Robert Hohler (Melville Charitable Trust), George Kral ( GuilfordTown Planner), Lori Lindfors (Citizens Bank), Tony Lyons (National Equity Fund), Paul McCraven (New Alliance Bank, with Raquel Santiago-Martinez of the Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund.), Nelson Merced (NeighborWorks America), Fran Messina (CT State Department of Economic and Community Dev) Claire Phelan (Milford community leader), Jennifer Pugh (MHA founder), David Rich (another past MHA Exec), John Rogers (long-term resident of George St. MHA development) and Carla Weil (Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund).
The post-dinner disc jockey and dancing completed the evening, but the Dish dashed
to see Dershowitz (say that 10 times !) at the Yale Law School. Add to that, a tea
at Pierson College with alum John Collins as the featured speaker, and you have a
rather full plate (er Dish). This acclaimed producer of the theatrical troupe Elevator Repair Service fascinated his audience with stories about the world-famous controversial GATSBY. The entire text of Great Gatsby is performed over a six- hour production, with appropriate intermissions dinner and other necessities.
This weekend — a change of pace-perhaps Richard II at the Yale Rep and certainly the first round of Open Studios. Thinking ahead? Don’t forget Capitol Steps is at the Shubert on Oct. 23 (benefit for Christian Community Action), and Linda Eder takes that stage on Oct. 24 (benefit Community One of the Jewish Federation). Prior to Linda Eder, the New Haven Chorale will host an event at Caf√© Bottega.
All , of course, for the Greater Good!
