Friends Center for Children is proud to share that our Teacher Housing Initiative has been awarded the Sunspot Innovation Award by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is part of the Chamber’s 9th annual Nonprofit Stars Align Awards, celebrating organizations that are strengthening our region through creativity, collaboration, and bold solutions.

The Teacher Housing Initiative was created to remove one of the most significant barriers facing early childhood educators: access to stable, affordable housing. By providing free housing to teachers and their families, the initiative supports the well-being of our educators, strengthens the workforce, and ultimately enhances the quality of care and education for our youngest learners across New Haven.

We’re honored to be recognized alongside so many dedicated nonprofits working to make our community more equitable, vibrant, and resilient. And we’re deeply grateful to our educators—whose commitment, talent, and heart are the true inspiration behind this work.