by Stefano Mancini | Jun 30, 2026 | Events, Supporters, Volunteering
To help build connections between members of our community who share our values, and to thank all of our supporters, DESK hosted our first-ever Supporter Appreciation Family Day at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven. Almost 80 members of DESK’s community, from donors to recurring volunteers, came together for a scenic ride on a historic trolley, a lunch generously donated by Aramark, and lawn games – not to mention the great company! The beautiful weather helped us reflect on our work over the past year and create connections across volunteers, donors, interns, and staff across the organization. We were especially proud to invite the whole family to engage with us and share our mission with our youngest supporters!
DESK is grateful to the Shore Line Trolley Museum, which graciously donated its space and trolley rides, and looks forward to continuing to appreciate our supporters who contribute annually so that we may fulfill our mission of serving people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty!
See amazing pictures from the event here.
by Luis Olmo-Rivera | Jun 16, 2026 | Drop-in Center, Homelessness, Leadership, Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction
Thanks to our partners at the APT Foundation, DESK’s entire staff received or renewed their basic life support certification. Working with countless community members each year across the region, DESK staff are often the first to respond before first responders arrive. In critical, life-threatening situations, when seconds matter, a robust first response can be the difference between life and death. This workshop helped our staff recognize the signs of an emergency and develop skills to respond both individually and as a team, including how to use an Automated External Defibrillator.
This includes connections to shelter, food, vital documents, storage, showers, mail services, enrollment in government benefits, and clothing. We’re proud to have added basic life support skills to our toolkit.
by Stefano Mancini | Jun 8, 2026 | Drop-in Center, Supporters
DESK’s Drop-in and Resource Center serves New Haven neighbors experiencing homelessness with vital support in the afternoon and evening, six days a week, so DESK staff are often the first to respond before first responders arrive. In situations where seconds matter – like sudden cardiac arrest – having the proper equipment can truly be the difference between life and death.
View Press Conference here.
Media Coverage:
New Haven Independent
News8 WTNH
