Committee on Housing and Community Development

155 Deer Hill Avenue

Danbury , Connecticut 06810

Minutes for October 8, 2008

Present: Scalzo, Lemme, Elpern, Zaborowski

Absent: Barrows

Also Present: Bill Beattie, Attorney Michael Ronan

The meeting of the Committee on Housing and Community Development of the Danbury Housing Partnership was held in Danbury City Hall, Planning and Zoning Department conference room, 1st floor, on October 8, 2008. Chairman Scalzo called the meeting to order at 2:15pm.

A motion to accept the minutes of September 4, 2008 was made by G. Lemme, seconded by D. Elpern, passed unanimously.

The Committee welcomed guest speaker Bill Beattie and Attorney Michael Ronan. Mr. Beattie presented handouts on the Jericho Partnership located at 13 Rose Street. The Jericho Partnership is a collaboration of ministries, congregations and private foundations serving youth, at-risk and homeless populations of Danbury.

The Jericho Partnership is a mobilized ministry whose goal is to transform and impact directly the local community. The focus of the ministry is to focus on substance abuse, youth at-risk, homeless, etc.

The partnering of the ministry has 3 facilities:

  1. Renovation of Jericho Samaritan Center at 13 Rose Street housing the:
    1. Pathways Academy
    2. Pathways Danbury
    3. Samaritan Health Center
    4. Youth Life Club
    5. Jericho , YL and Hopeline Offices

  1. Renovation of Jericho House at 22 Maple Avenue that houses 3 floors of

support services.

  1. Refitting of 13 Maple Avenue which services will be offered.

The Jericho Partnership has empowering the following:

- Prayer

- Strategic Planning

- Volunteer screening/training

- Grant Writing

- Fundraising

- Counseling

The project future proposals will include transitional housing of the 3rd floor at 22 Maple Avenue. There will be 8 rooms, 7 rooms(double) to accommodate 14 men, and 1 room utilized for supervisors. There will be 12 months residency with a cost factor of approximately $20,000 per year/per person – offering 24/7 support services.

The Jericho project encompasses compassion products and homeless outreach. Work is being conducted at another facility: 13 Maple Avenue. The overall projection for the ministry is to have an educational center, a pediatric clinic, transitional and support services/housing, an art and cultural center.

The committee indicated to both Mr. Ronan and Mr. Beattie that the Housing Partnership will support the project and offer any assistance.

There was no further business to report. A motion to adjourn was made by G. Lemme, seconded by D. Elpern.