Housing segregation – one of the most entrenched and persistent problems in our nation’s history – is a deep-rooted issue and a major driver of Connecticut’s affordable housing crisis. Open Communities Alliance (OCA) is gaining ground in the fight against this crisis by reshaping policies, challenging unjust laws, and equipping local leaders to make real and lasting change.

Together, we can push back against decades of policies that have divided us and make Connecticut a model for the rest of our country. We invite you to invest in our important work with a fully tax-deductible donation.

In 2023, one of our most impactful years to date thanks to your generous support, we:

Coordinated Growing Together Connecticut, a consortium of over 45 organizations dedicated to dismantling barriers to affordable housing everywhere in the state AND promoting equitable policies and investments in our cities.
Advanced Fair Share Planning and Zoning, a policy that will transform the housing landscape in Connecticut to better meet the housing need while counteracting segregation and boosting the state’s economy.
Settled a major federal fair housing lawsuit ensuring that hundreds of families living in uninhabitable government-subsidized housing have real housing choices in all kinds of neighborhoods.
Held educational sessions statewide and virtually for over 1,000 people to fully inform and to change hearts and minds about the importance of having affordable housing options in every community in Connecticut.

Our work is far from done. We’ve seen housing costs far outpace wages. Deeply rooted policies around zoning, subsidized housing, and housing vouchers radically limit housing options for lower-income families and cripple opportunities to meaningfully invest in our cities. Connecticut’s families are struggling for a decent place to live and educate their children.

At OCA, we know that our long-term success relies on shifting the balance of power and building more economically vibrant communities that serve all of our neighbors. We’re leveraging our resources and recent successes to:

Expand our work helping low-income families with housing vouchers break down barriers to accessing higher-resource communities.
Build the power of the OCA Coalition to create voices for more affordable housing across the state.
Ensure that Connecticut’s Fair Share allocation efforts following the 2023 legislative directive produce meaningful goals for rezoning and housing production in towns with few affordable housing options.
Continue partnering with organizations dedicated to counteracting Connecticut’s history of segregation by changing inequitable policies, investing in higher-poverty communities, and ensuring affordable housing choices all across the state.
Pursue ongoing – and new – legal efforts to challenge exclusionary zoning.
And so much more!

We know we can make these goals a reality in 2024 —but it won’t be possible without you. With your support and partnership, we can make real change happen, right here at home.

When enough caring people choose to step forward and invest in a cause that’s important to them, their impact is exponential. Join your friends and neighbors who are standing up for a more just and economically vibrant Connecticut, and make a difference today!

Choose to end Housing Segregation

By Open Communities Alliance

Choose to end Housing Segregation

Donate to OCA today!

Team Members