Steve Werlin

This morning I toured DESK staff members around the renovations happening at our soon-to-be-reborn Drop-in & Resource Center on State St. Lot of excitement brewing among the team!

I posted my thoughts on @tracykiddder's profile of Dr. Jim O'Connell & the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program on the @desk_nhv Blog. Check it out! (Spoiler alert: highly recommended.) deskct.org/review-tracy-k…

The closing ceremony this afternoon was moving. So hard to hear the names of friends and neighbors we lost this year. But also—so important. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and family members representing on the Green today.

Spread the word!

CFAN unite! The Coordinated Food Assistance Network is putting their hearts and minds together today to start planning our first legislative agenda! @uwgnh @CARE_YSPH @desk_nhv @cityofnewhaven

Got a chance to tour the mayor around @desk_nhv's renovation project today, and we chose the winners of our @AveloAir fundraiser. Check out the video or visit deskct.org/capital to learn more about (and support!) this critical, lifesaving project: fb.watch/tewGoKKqC0/.

As we aim to center the voices of those we serve, DESK’s Board of Directors is looking to onboard two members with lived experience and expertise in substance use, homelessness, and/or food insecurity. Submit an application at deskct.org/PWLE-board, & spread the word!

Collection of encampment data by government entities raises serious ethical questions that may not have been fully considered, including how this data might be (mis)used by future administrations that would take an approach less grounded in best practices & compassion. 4/4

I'm all for the use of data to improve & streamline services and produce useful reports for transparency's sake. But collecting and maintaining data on individuals (including locations of encampments) should only be carried out with integrity of intent. 3/4

"For homelessness, [... w]ith better data, he said the city could better track how many people experience homelessness, what kind of challenges they face and how much success city programs are having, as well as share reports with the public." 🤨 1/4

This an opportunity to come together & demonstrate that we, as a community, are better than what this ruling is urging us to do. I look forward to some important dialogue on this issue in the weeks & months ahead as we build a stronger and more compassionate city for everyone.

Here in #NewHaven, I'd like to believe that this conservative court's ruling is not reflective of who we are as a community, but actions on the ground in recent years seem to suggest otherwise. @cityofnewhaven

I am saddened, infuriated, and not-at-all surprised by the lack of compassion and dereliction of social responsibility demonstrated in #SCOTUS's ruling on #JohnsonVGrantsPass.

@ctdss It is totally unacceptable to allow families to go hungry because of administrative errors. I hope DSS is prioritizing creative and expedient solutions to get these funds into the hands of those in need ASAP (and then use August to figure out how to avoid this in the future).

Due to unexpected delays, Summer EBT benefits will not be deposited June 23. Please look for these deposits in early August. We apologize for any miscommunication or confusion.

This is totally unacceptable. Thousands of households in #NewHaven rely on budget-relieving free school lunches that disappear in the summer months. Delaying EBT deposits is pouring gasoline on the fire for struggling families. Lines will be long at pantries.

Phil Costello and Dr. Emma Lo kicking us off this morning and introducing Dr. Jim Withers as keynote speaker.

Great turnout today at the 2024 CT Healthcare for the Homeless Symposium at the Legislative Office Building. @CSHHC @desk_nhv

** We Need Your Help with Tomorrow's Delivery Shift** Sign up now at deskct.org/delivery. Questions, email us at volunteer@deskct.org, or call (475) 238-8778.

Almost 100 staff from more than 25 Greater New Haven homelessness service providers and municipal and state agencies are gathering today for their annual training at Lighthouse Point. Biggest turnout yet! This is what real collaboration looks like, people! @desk_nhv