[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1173-E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING ALISON CUNNINGHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COLUMBUS HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2019

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to 
join friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders who have 
gathered today to celebrate Alison Cunningham as she bids farewell to 
Columbus House, the organization she has fearlessly and adeptly led for 
more than two decades.
  There is no one reason why an individual becomes homeless and so 
there is no one solution that will end it. More than three decades ago 
a group of folks concerned with the plight of the homeless came 
together and began what has become one of the strongest, most respected 
advocacy organizations for the homeless in our state. For most of its 
existence, the mission of Columbus House has been guided by Alison 
Cunningham, whose unparalleled passion to make a difference is 
reflected in every success they enjoy. Alison's commitment is nothing 
short of inspiring and it has encouraged hundreds of supporters to 
volunteer their time and energy to support this extraordinary 
organization.
  Under Alison's direction, Columbus House has continued to grow and 
expand to meet the ever-changing needs of our homeless population. 
Today, the small staff of ninety come from all walks of life--many are 
former clients themselves which provides them a unique perspective not 
only from which to provide services, but also to direct the 
organization's efforts. Columbus House also partners with a variety of 
local service agencies with the goal of ensuring that all of their 
clients receive access to every possible opportunity to transition from 
homelessness. With facilities in New Haven and Middletown and a 
presence in Waterbury, New Britain and elsewhere, programs and services 
that range from shelter and meal service to employment, recovery, and 
case management, Columbus House has touched the lives of hundreds of 
our most vulnerable citizens. Columbus House is a community effort in 
every sense of the word, and it is because of the strong leadership and 
vision that Alison has provided. I have been proud to work with her 
during my tenure in Congress and consider myself fortunate to call her 
my friend.
  Over the course of her career, Alison has grown into a respected 
leader in her field with her expertise often be sought out by 
neighboring communities as well as elected leaders. In fact, over the 
last several years, she has been a member of the task force that 
directed a state-wide change to a successful approach to ending chronic 
homelessness, which combines providing permanent housing with the 
necessary social services on site for clients. To say her everyday 
presence at Columbus House will be missed is an understatement, 
however, I have no doubt that, though she is pursuing a new 
opportunity, Alison will remain a staunch and active supporter of 
Columbus House and the people they serve.
  Though I will miss her leadership at Columbus House, I was excited to 
learn that Alison will be taking on a new and unique role at the Yale 
Divinity School where she will help guide students there interested in 
the kind of nonprofit work to which she has dedicated her

[[Page E1174]]

professional life. Her students will be learning from one of the best 
and that can only benefit those non-profits that they will eventually 
lead.
  It is my great honor to stand today to extend my deepest thanks and 
appreciation to Alison Cunningham for the visionary leadership and 
tireless advocacy she has brought to Columbus House, the City of New 
Haven and the State of Connecticut. I wish her all the best in this new 
endeavor and have no doubt that it will be a great success.

                          ____________________