With organizing support from CONECT, @HNNA (Hamden Newhall Neighborhood Association) celebrated a major victory in June with their “Foundations First” campaign. After a year of relationship-building, power organizing, and persistent engagement with local officials, HNNA successfully convinced Hamden’s Legislative Council to allocate funding to repair deteriorating foundations in the Newhall neighborhood.

With about 8.5 million local dollars to put towards repairs starting this fall, the HNNA also contributed testimonials to the Town’s grant proposal to the State for another $8 million to fully fund the estimated cost for repairing all of the identified properties. The HNNA hosted a successful neighborhood tour on August 11th with Speaker Ritter, Senator Cabrera, Senator Looney, Representative Winter, Representative Sweet and Representative Elliot to compel them to advocate for funding for repairs. We expect good news from the State bond commission in September.

Important communication from CONECT Co-Chairs

CONECT denounces the anti-Muslim hostile actions outside a Stamford mosque on August 9.  We further denounce the rise in religious bigotry and hate crimes perpetrated against our Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh siblings and the continued structural racism impacting our Black and immigrant siblings. As a multiracial, interfaith organization, CONECT values the understanding and potential for collective action that comes from listening and respect.  We remain committed to deepening our relationships and leading change within our organization and Connecticut.

Rev. Philippe E.C. Andal, Ph.D.

Elizabeth Keenan, Ph.D., LCSW

CONECT Co-Chairs

News 12 Coverage

July 13, 2025. Ian Skoggard and Debra Tangarone welcomed nearly 30 people from Spring Glen Church, Congregation Mishkan Israel and the Unitarian Society of New Haven.

Debra shared an update on the legislative session. Although the governor vetoed an omnibus housing bill, which included the original “Work, Live, Ride” bill, a special legislative session in the Fall will revisit it. Hopefully some version of the bill will be passed. Spring Glen member Marie Bravo presented on housing developments that are in process in Hamden, as well as the various town commissions that make decisions about housing.

Rev. Caitlin O’Brien, CONECT Senior Organizer, shared the good news of the Hamden Newhall Neighborhood Association’s successful “Foundations First” campaign. After a year of advocacy and relationship building in the neighborhood, the Legislative Council voted to move 6.4 million dollars to an account for Newhall foundations. Cause for celebration!

Pheobe Ploof from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national organization that funds community development and improvement projects presented on successful housing projects in CT. She praised the group for its organization and energy, and helped us begin to discern what kind of development(s) we want to make happen in town.

No CONECT meeting is without an action plan! Attendees signed on to a thank you letter to Legislative Council members who voted to fund Newhall Foundations, and volunteered to monitor monthly meetings of the town commissions involved with housing: Planning and Zoning, Inland Wetlands, and Economic Development so that we can track when it is time to show up and speak up!

Check out the newsletter https://bit.ly/4eG1B9d

While we are saddened to see him go, we are immensely proud of the work he has done here and the strong legacy he leaves behind. Under Matt’s leadership, CONECT has grown into a powerful voice for justice, equity, and community empowerment across Connecticut. His commitment to building broad-based coalitions, developing grassroots leadership, and achieving meaningful policy change has left a lasting mark on our organization and our state.

In the coming weeks, the Strategy Team will announce the interim leadership and the search plans for CONECT’s next Lead Organizer. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition, rooted in the values and relationships that define our work.

To thank Matt for his incredible years of service, please make plans to join us on Sunday, June 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm for a Farewell Celebration at Congregation B’Nai Israel (2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport).