Shelly's Story
A long-time friend of Columbus House, Shelly included a gift to Columbus House in her will. She shared what moved her to make this impactful decision:
“I attribute my interest in ending homelessness to my dad. While he lived, he was dedicated to providing a home for his three daughters. He would have done everything in his power to prevent us from experiencing homelessness. We have a family member who died of exposure to the cold and others who lived in the basement of an unfinished house. Through my association with Columbus House, I’ve learned how easily one can become homeless because of illness, addiction, and the loss of a job. As one of my grandmothers often said, ‘There but for the grace of God, go I.’ I’ve also learned how critical stable housing is to recovering one’s health and finding employment. My father was able to leave a legacy that has so far ensured that none of his daughters has experienced homelessness in spite of addiction, illness, cancer, divorce, and other challenges. My bequest gift to Columbus House honors my father by helping to end homelessness in Connecticut.”
Pictured: Shelly (right) with her sister and father, whom she credits with inspiring her to include a planned gift to Columbus House in her will. c 1975