Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.

We are excited to announce an important partnership with Quinnipiac University. Beginning in June, the Netter Volunteer Corps will use BOROUGH496 as a location to sort donations they are receiving in their work to help people transitioning from homeless shelters to homes. They will use the gym at for sorting and distributing supplies with volunteers from Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine.

This initiative comes directly from needs established for vulnerable populations during the COVID-9 crisis. “In the spirit of humanity in the face of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, we are pleased a group of current Netter students have banded together to facilitate a supply drive for the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” said Bethany Zemba, Vice President and Chief of Staff. These students hope to collect funds and personal care supplies for our community partners in New Haven (Columbus House, New Reach, and Transitions Clinic). These organizations are overwhelmed and underprepared to accommodate so many individuals amidst the chaos of COVID-19.

“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with Borough496, as it will allow us to fulfill our mission of service and better serve the greater New Haven community in this time of need.” ~ Traci Marquis-Eydman MD, Associate Professor and Faculty Director of the Netter COVID-19 Student Volunteer Corps.

“We are honored to share our space at BOROUGH496 with Quinnipiac University for such an important cause. Our mission at BOROUGH496 is rooted in the empowerment of people. These are times to do important things, especially for people that that are the most vulnerable.” commented Dale Kroop, Director of BOROUGH496, aka Hamden Business Incubator.

BOROUGH496 is a business incubator located at the former Newhall School in Southern Hamden. It Value System includes Micro Enterprise Education, Workforce Development, Community Sustainability and Economic Inclusiveness. BOROUGH496 is owned by the Hamden Economic Development Corporation, a 501c4 non-profit corporation.