Lobby Day in Hartford

Pastor Roy Grubbs and Rachel Merva represented Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church at lobby day in Hartford on April 21st, sharing conversations with legislators and carrying the message:

Prevent. Respond. House. Meeting demand now - so we can prevent and solve homelessness, not just manage it. 

We participated in a roundtable discussion with Representative Kara Rochelle's office and approximately 15 homeless service providers, residents, faith communities and clients. Matt McGee, Ms. Rochelle's legislative aide and Shelton native and Ms. Rochelle's intern Andrew listened as attendees introduced themselves and shared remarks and stories such as the impact of record numbers during the No Freeze season this year, the strain on the system (including overflow spaces, like we had at Mary Taylor), and opportunities to advance legislation that addresses increased demand and prevents homelessness before it starts. 

Over the course of the afternoon, we also met with Rep. Kathy Kennedy, Senator James Maroney, Rep. MJ Shannon, and Senator Herron Gaston, also Pastor at Summerfield UMC in Bridgeport and part of our Cooperative Parish!

The legislative session ends soon. Please contact your legislators and urge them to work together to prevent and solve homelessness in CT. If you would like more information or need help finding your legislators, please use this link: (Find Your Legislators by clicking here - C G A - Connecticut General Assembly)