Network Monthly Luncheon - July 16, 2025

Housing in Southeastern Connecticut — Tricia Cunningham and Beth Sabilia

     Be sure to join Us Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11:30 am for our monthly luncheon Program at Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, $25 for member pre-registrations, $30 for non-member pre-registrations, and $35 for late registrations and walk-ins includes gratuity and tax. Please note price change. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Housing and Resources for Families
     Housing issues are impacting every corner of our community and affecting families from all backgrounds. Stable, affordable housing is essential to individual and family well-being, yet many are facing rising costs, limited availability, and barriers that put them at risk of housing insecurity or homelessness.
     In this presentation, we invite you to explore with us the current state of housing in our community. We’ll examine key challenges, including the affordability crisis, the growing number of families experiencing instability, and disparities in access to safe, sustainable housing—particularly among vulnerable populations.
     We will also highlight the resources available to support families in need, as well as the critical role community organizations and advocacy groups play in bridging the gaps.
      Housing affects us all. As more community members understand the challenges we face, we hope to inspire a broader network of advocates dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to safe and stable housing.

Tricia Cunningham is a dedicated nonprofit professional with deep roots in the community and a passion for service. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Always Home, a local nonprofit committed to preventing family homelessness.
     With more than two decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Tricia’s career includes serving as President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and holding key roles at Fairview and the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening community connections and advancing meaningful causes.
     Tricia remains actively involved in both regional and statewide initiatives. She serves on the boards of the Rotary Club of Mystic and the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. She is also a member of the Eastern Coordinated Access Network (ECAN) Steering and Executive Committees and represents ECAN on the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness Policy and Advocacy Committee.
     She holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Rhode Island. In 2024, she was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Mystic, and she is also a past recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to community service.
     Tricia lives in North Stonington with her husband, Keith. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters and one school-age son, and a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren who continue to inspire and ground her.

Beth Sabilia is the Director of the Center for Eastern Connecticut Center for Housing Opportunity. Beth is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and Suffolk University Law School. She was in the private practice of law for more than 26 years, all in New London.
      Beth most recently served as a Selectwoman for the Town of Waterford, (a two-term member of the Waterford Representative Town Meeting), and served as a member of the town’s Board of Finance. Beth acted for two terms as the Mayor of the City of New London and a six-term member of the City Council, where she chaired the Economic Development Committee for more than four years. She was the liaison to the Redevelopment Commission and the Planning & Zoning Commission. Beth also served on the New London Board of Education, acting as its Vice-President and President, and a former Commissioner of the New London Housing Authority.
     Her numerous volunteer activities include acting as the former President of the Board of Trustees of the Bulkeley School Fund, as the Chair of the Waterford Democratic Town Committee, and in roles in community organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America, Waterford Little League,
the Board of Trustees of Connecticut College, and the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Living. She is a current member of Waterford RISE (Residents for Inclusion and Social Equity).
     Beth is married to Al Dahl, a union pipefitter, and between them, they have four children. Beth prides herself on being open and accessible and strongly encourages all to get in touch.

    *Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon.
    * Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.
     * Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.