HartfordFoundation

Two separate grant awards were recently made to Journey Home through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.  A grant of $199,137 has been awarded to offer continued support of the Greater Hartford Coordinated Access Network.  And a second grant of $216,105 has been awarded to fund the Aerospace Employment Placement Program through the Career Pathways Initiative.

“Journey Home is delighted and grateful to receive this support from the Hartford Foundation.  This grant makes it possible for us to focus on ending chronic homelessness in Greater Hartford in 2016.  Systems will be created, changes will be made, and lives will be transformed because of this award,” reports Sara Salomons, Development Officer at Journey Home.

The Greater Hartford Coordinated Access Network (CAN) is a unique entity within the homeless service system.  It allows us to work collaboratively with area providers on creating a streamlined system that ensures one entry point to access all programs and services.  This grant will continue to support the staffing and services needed to ensure successful housing outcomes.  It will also contribute directly to Journey Home’s mission to accelerate progress towards ending chronic homelessness.  The CAN has become essential to ensuring that the most chronic and vulnerable are prioritized for housing programs and this funding allows us to expand and improve our role in CAN operations.

“Journey Home is thrilled to receive the support of the Hartford Foundation as we work to grow and improve our economic security program.  Their decision to provide resources for partnership among agencies is innovative and groundbreaking. This grant makes it possible for us to bring new jobs to an underserved population,” reports Roy Mainelli, Economic Security Manager at Journey Home.

The mission of the Aerospace Employment Placement Program (AEPP) is to provide a path out of poverty through job development and meaningful employment with the following attributes: livable wages, allowing for self-sufficiency; skills for the 21st century; and career growth through a collaborative mentoring program.  The signature element of the program is the commitment by the employer to offer actual job placements prior to a participant’s successful completion of the training program which provides stackable, industry-recognized credentials.  This funding will allow Journey Home to expand and enhance this successful program while partnering with Belcan Corporation, Goodwin College, Manchester Community College, The Open Hearth Association, Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation and the Hartford Job Corps Center.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities.  In 2015, the Foundation celebrated ninety years of grantmaking in the Greater Hartford region, made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations.  It has awarded grants of more than $650 million since its founding in 1925. For more information about the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.