In 1967, a house was destroyed by fire on Congress Avenue in New Haven, leaving a family homeless. An ecumenical group of Catholics and Protestants, seeking a way to put their faith into action and to demonstrate their concern during a highly turbulent time in our history, came to the rescue. Thus the organization we today call Christian Community Action, Inc. (CCA) was born.

Since that time, CCA has grown and evolved substantially, while remaining true to its origin mission of serving families in crisis and assisting individuals to realize their unique strengths and potential. In addition to dealing with unexpected, short-term emergencies such as fires and evictions, CCA is now actively involved in helping families attain self-sufficiency through initiatives such as our Stepping Stone Transitional Housing Program  and our Program for Internships, Vocational Opportunities and Training (PIVOT) while, at the same time, advocating change in the systems that perpetuate poverty and injustice through efforts such as our Advocacy and Education Project .

We have grown in so many ways, yet we have also remained true to our roots as a storefront organization focused on promoting dignity and respect. While we may be bigger in size and broader in scope than we were in 1967, we work hard to maintain the high-touch personalized approach to people and their problems we have been known for since our origins.

We have been fortunate in having visionary leadership throughout our history. Prior to my coming to CCA, the agency was led by first Rev. David Nehring, second, by the Rev. Philip Grigsby and third, by Rev. Karl Hilgert, each of whom brought originality and inspiration to our work. Together with those who have served selflessly on our Board of Directors and our dedicated staff, these three gentlemen contributed substantially to the high regard in which CCA is held in the New Haven community today.

As much as we have accomplished so far, many challenges lie ahead. With trust in the Lord, we look forward to meeting these challenges. Watch us and pray for us as we grow and remain faithful to our mission.

Sincerely,

Rev. Bonita Grubbs

Christian Community Action, Inc. is a not-for-profit ecumenical social service organization located in New Haven, Connecticut. Its mission is to express faithful witness by:

1. providing emergency food, housing and support to those who are poor in New Haven;

2. encouraging them in their efforts to attain self-sufficiency, and

3. working to change systems that perpetuate poverty and injustice.

Other programs offered by CCA include after-school programs and a children’s summer program, fuel assistance, Diaper Bank and food basket distribution at Thanksgiving to more than 1,000 families.

Now in its fourth decade of service, CCA continues to be a force for community building and social change.

CCA got its start as part of suburban "living room" dialogues held in 1966 between Catholics and Protestants, regarding how best to put their Christian faith into action. This led to direct assistance to victims of a fire on Congress Avenue in 1967.

It was on Congress Avenue that CCA had its first office, under the direction of the Rev. David Nehring. This office became the focus of urban encounter programs, crisis intervention, emergency housing and outreach between the inner city and the suburbs.

CCA moved to its current facility at 168 Davenport Avenue in 1971. There, CCA expanded its emergency housing, crisis intervention, coalition building, welfare reform and educational efforts. In 1978, CCA acquired the adjacent property at 166 Davenport Avenue, adding three more emergency housing units.

In December 1984, the city-owned New Haven Family Shelter at 124 Sylvan Avenue was partially opened under CCA operation. After structural problems were corrected, the entire building was opened in 1986. The facility provided an additional 10 apartments for emergency housing.

In 1998, after years of planning, the Stepping Stone Transitional Housing Program was opened at 660 Winchester Avenue. This facility houses 18 apartments, the Stan Preisner Computer Learning Center, an after school program, and an activity rroom for resident families and their children. Also housed within the facility is the Dixwell / Newhallville Community Mental Health Center. Stepping Stone also houses rooms for workshops, a children’s library, and a laundry facility.

Marilyn Toland - President

Joan Reynolds - Vice President

Abraham Colon - Treasurer

Rev. Carolyn Young - Secretary

Nancy Beals

William B. McCullough M.D.

Duane Isabella

William Johnston

John Padilla

Jennifer Pugh

Evelyn Streater-Frizzle