Support For The Homeless

To The Editor:

When the Interfaith Commission on Homelessness approached the United Way of Northern Fairfield County to provide the balance of funding needed for the overflow homeless shelter hosted by the First Congregational Church in Danbury, we felt the project naturally fit in with one of our main focus areas: housing. When we brought the request to our executive committee, not only did they approve it, but as a result of that meeting, all of our local banks — Savings Bank of Danbury, Ridgefield Bank, Union Savings Bank, Newtown Savings Bank and NewMil Bank — offered to make contributions to the United Way’s grant for the overflow shelter.

The United Way of Northern Fairfield County wishes to publicly thank these banks for their immediate and generous response to this community need. This past year we have recognized and encouraged the collaboration of nonprofit programs along with individuals, businesses, corporations, religious organizations, and municipalities through our Community Impact initiative. We are encouraging new approaches and new partnerships to work on continuing problems and are focused on achieving sustained change in community conditions.

The response of our local banking community to a community-based solution is a wonderful example of the type of partnership which creates meaningful and tangible impact in our community. What matters is the lives that are improved and a strengthened community as a result of action and civic involvement.

Sincerely

June Renzulli, President

United Way of Northern Fairfield County

85 West Street, Danbury                                     November 10, 2003