[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 101 (Thursday, June 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E565-E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING PETER DEBIASI AND A CAREER OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2025

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary career 
of an eastern Connecticut stalwart public servant, Peter DeBiasi, and 
celebrate his retirement from Access Community Action Agency.

[[Page E566]]

  Peter DeBiasi's journey with Access began in March 2005, a 
challenging period marked by high leadership turnover and significant 
budgetary and staffing hurdles. Yet, it was precisely during this time 
of adversity that Peter's vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment 
to serving low-income individuals in Windham and Tolland counties truly 
shone. Prior to joining Access, Peter honed his leadership skills as 
President/CEO of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies 
from 1999 to 2002, and as Vice President for Development and Marketing 
at United Community & Family Services from 2002 to 2005. This wealth of 
experience laid the groundwork for the transformative impact he would 
have at Access.
  Under Peter's leadership, Access Community Action Agency has 
experienced unprecedented growth and made profound strides in its 
mission to empower individuals and families. One of his most 
significant legacies is the agency's pioneering work in affordable 
housing. What began with a single senior housing development in 
Willington, Connecticut has blossomed into a portfolio of over 200 
units of owned or managed affordable housing, providing safe and stable 
homes for countless individuals.
  Beyond housing, Peter dramatically improved Access's homeless 
services. The establishment of a 24/7 emergency shelter in Danielson, 
coupled with the opening of a cold-weather overnight shelter, has 
expanded the agency's capacity to offer immediate and vital support to 
those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, Access has broadened its 
focus to proactively prevent homelessness by providing crucial 
assistance to individuals at risk, underscoring Peter's deep 
understanding of the complex challenges faced by vulnerable 
populations. His leadership ensured that Access met the growing need to 
address homelessness head-on.
  The scale of Access's growth under Peter's guidance is truly 
remarkable. The agency has doubled its workforce to approximately 90 
dedicated employees and has seen its yearly budget expand to an 
impressive $15 million. This expansion has enabled Access to deliver 
more comprehensive and impactful services, with affordable housing 
leading the way in terms of growth. As someone who worked with Peter 
over many years, I can personally attest to his amazing dedication and 
passion to achieve the goals of community action. He has a deep 
understanding of all the policies and criticisms that inevitably would 
surface over the years and he deftly and pragmatically overcame many 
difficult challenges. We are very lucky in eastern Connecticut to have 
benefited from his great work.
  As Peter transitions into a well-deserved retirement, planning to 
relax and enjoy time with family and friends, his impact on Access and 
the communities it serves will undoubtedly endure. His passion for 
fighting poverty has been a lifelong commitment, driven by the profound 
belief that poverty is difficult to experience, but does not have to be 
permanent. He made his life's work assisting those less fortunate and 
empowering them to find ways to achieve sustained economic stability.
  We extend our deepest gratitude to Peter DeBiasi for his decades of 
exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative 
contributions. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide Access 
Community Action Agency as we strive to build a more equitable and 
supportive community for all.

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