Note: Joshua Mamis works for United Way.
One day last month, Columbus House Executive Director Alison Cunningham was working quietly in her office when all of a sudden she heard something: The sound of water.
It was a small leak. It was discovered in time and didn’t cause any damage.
But the leak was evidence of a bigger problem at one of the city’s primary shelter and service providers for people without homes.
When the problem was traced to its source, Cunningham and her work crew discovered that one of the shelter’s two hot water heaters had failed.
With maintenance and installation fees, they discovered, the cost to fix the commercial-grade 80 gallon rapid re-fire hot water heater would run to $13,300.
Such unexpected costs can be crippling. So Columbus House reached out to United Way of Greater New Haven, where decision-makers quickly agreed to use its Community Fund to match every dollar raised toward the cost of fixing the heater.
For 30 years Columbus House has been providing shelter, meals, support services, and housing to individuals in New Haven and throughout the state. Now the shelter itself needs a little emergency support. You can help by donating here.
For more information call (203) 691‑4215.