CHD’s Hospitality Center, our agency’s service center for the unhoused in Waterbury, CT, experienced an incredible act of community kindness thanks to a generous donor named Mike (photo 1).

During a visit to the center, Mike asked if there were any immediate needs he could help address. Hospitality Center Manager Krishena Godwin shared the story of several participants who had recently been displaced by a devastating house fire. Many of these individuals lost nearly all of their belongings and are currently working toward rebuilding their lives while seeking stable housing.

Touched by their circumstances, Mike generously offered a variety of household items to support those affected. To help spread the word, Godwin partnered with CHD Adult Mental Heatlh-Connecticut Administrative Assistant Janessa Jones to create a community flyer promoting the donation event and encouraging those in need to attend.

On August 4, Mike arrived at the Hospitality Center with an impressive selection of household goods, including essential items that can help individuals and families establish a sense of normalcy as they recover from fire. The donation event welcomed 18 Hospitality Center participants, including three individuals from AMH-CT’s PILOTS program, which provides permanent housing support and mental health services to homeless individuals and families with diagnosed mental illness and substance use issues. All of them were able to select items that met their household needs.

“This event served as a powerful reminder of how community partnerships and acts of generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing difficult circumstances,” said Godwin. “The Hospitality Center extends its sincere gratitude to Mike for his compassion and willingness to give back. His kindness not only provided practical support, but also offered hope and encouragement to individuals working toward a fresh start.”