Christian Community Action (CCA) is deeply grateful for the approval of grants from OPM in support of our mission to provide help, housing, and hope to those who are poor in New Haven. Funding from OPM has facilitated significant improvements to our Information Technology and the purchase of a cargo van.

In the area of Information Technology, CCA program staff members are able to work more efficiently and effectively when providing services to families that are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or recovering from the trauma of homelessness. CCA has been able to purchase hardware that makes it possible for family coaches to share information between different office locations, improves the speed with which family coaches can complete intake paperwork, and enhances the ability of our ARISE Center (Accessing Resources for Independence, Skill-building, and Employment) staff members to lead workshops with residents in financial literacy, employment training, family health, and other subjects. Moreover, the purchase of a smartboard has created exciting new ways to lead staff training exercises.

The purchase of a cargo van has increased CCA’s ability to pick up and accept in-kind donations of food, clothing, furniture, household goods, and other items that benefit families living in our emergency shelter apartments and transitional housing program. The ability to navigate busy city streets for pickups with a reliable vehicle has helped us to build and grow relationships with volunteers and donors who support the CCA mission. No longer is the organization requiring solely on a large box truck for this outreach. Donations of non-perishable food items to the CCA food pantry fill a critical need in nourishing the hungry of our community. In 2016, CCA was able to provide 30,690 meals to 562 individuals, with about 75% of those served being among our most vulnerable – children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

CCA expresses sincere gratitude for the support of OPM and looks forward to continuing this successful partnership in the future.