Beyond Boundaries (Fall 2005)

After many years of focusing exclusively on its 14 blocks, SINA is now looking at how its “lessons learned” can help influence housing and community development policy on a statewide perspective.  This year, together with other concerned organizations and coalitions, SINA embarked on a statewide campaign to create affordable housing opportunities, for both home ownership and rental properties.

"This year was a remarkable year for housing in Connecticut -- a historic turning point in the state's commitment to affordable housing. After many years of declining resources, we achieved a $100 million Housing Trust Fund at Department of Economic and Community Development; a new Land Use Fund providing $6.5 million annually through Connecticut Housing Finance Authority; 500 additional units of supportive housing; increased bonding to rehabilitate public housing; and more," said Jeffrey Freiser, Executive Director of the Connecticut Housing Coalition.

When State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier first proposed the Housing Trust Fund, SINA diligently advocated for its establishment.  In June, the Senate approved the Fund, which will be capitalized with $20 million annually in general obligation bonding over the next five years.

SINA also supported the new Land Use Fund by advocating before   the Governor’s Office, Senate, and the House of Representatives.  This new fund will add a $30 fee for recording documents in local land records.  Twenty-six dollars of this charge will be divided equally for four purposes: affordable housing, historic preservation and farmland preservation.

"These victories were accomplished by a combination of grassroots advocacy, passionate local voices for housing raised across the state, and visionary leadership from public officials, such as State Treasurer Denise Nappier.  SINA and other housing practitioners came to the Capitol and told their compelling stories.  They described their wonderful successes in creating affordable homes, and the potential to multiply those successes with more help from the state," said Freiser.
                                                       
Indeed, the achievements of SINA's collaborative activism will impact families in the Southside and throughout Connecticut by increasing the availability of secure, safe, and affordable housing.