Our Start
Community Housing Advocates, Inc. (CHA) was established in 2018 as the parent organization and administrative services provider for its two affiliates—Mercy Housing & Shelter Corporation and My Sisters’ Place. While each affiliate retains its unique identity and nonprofit tax status, together they serve more than 6,000 individuals and families each year.
My Sisters’ Place was founded in 1982, originally as a shelter for women with infants. Today the organization provides supportive and affordable housing, housing coordination and flexible assistance for families and individuals – making a positive impact in Hartford neighborhoods.
Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation was founded in 1983 by the Sisters of Mercy, to accommodate individuals experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, supplies and meals. Since then Mercy has expanded services to include the whole homeless service continuum, supporting households from the point they experience a housing crisis to assisting them with re-establishing permanent housing and beyond.
CHA’s affiliates are members of the Greater Hartford and Meriden-Middlesex-Wallingford Coordinated Access Networks and integral partners in the regions’ efforts to end homelessness.
Today, the CHA affiliates have over 125 dedicated staff and eleven program sites across Hartford and Middlesex counties.
Our Mission
Community Housing Advocates helps its affiliate organizations thrive while maintaining their independence as separate legal entities. CHA provides shared governance and administrative services through an affiliate model.
Statement of Operations: Sharing a common board of directors, executive leadership team, and administrative back office (finance, HR, IT, compliance) enables affiliates to focus on their missions and achieve financial sustainability.
CHA Core Values: Excellence, Efficiency, Innovation, Partnership
Excellence – Commitment to continuous improvement, proactive problem solving, and exceeding expectations
Efficiency – Optimal use of available resources
Innovation – Maximizing impact, attracting funding, and adapting to a rapidly changing world.
Partnership – Fostering collaboration and resource sharing to amplify impact and achieve shared goals.
Our Leadership Role
CHA affiliates are leading providers of support services and housing solutions for men, women, and children in Greater Hartford and Middletown who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation’s housing and support services, including our homelessness Diversion Centers, are a critical component of Greater Hartford and Middletown’s continuum of services for homeless and vulnerably housed individuals and families.
My Sisters’ Place’s Permanent Supportive Housing in the North Hartford Promise Zone contributes to the revitalization of these neighborhoods.
Approximately 300 individuals are sleeping in a bed at one of CHA’s housing options. Each year, its Friendship Center serves more than 67,000 meals to community members in need.
CHA, Mercy, and MSP have identical board membership, each overseen by a board of directors originally drawn from the affiliates’ existing directors.
MERCY HOUSING
Since 1983, Mercy Housing has provided housing assistance and supportive services to persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
MY SISTERS' PLACE
Founded in 1982 as a shelter for women with infants, My Sisters’ Place has helped more than 26,000 people in the community
