Rising housing costs have made it increasingly difficult for many Branford residents to stay in their homes. A rent increase, an unexpected heating bill, or a broken furnace can threaten a family’s housing security. 

The Jay Pottenger Housing Fund, a designated fund established in 2026 with the Branford Community Foundation, helps Branford Counseling & Community Services (BCCS) provide financial assistance to residents facing these challenges, from the threat of eviction to the cost of keeping a home safe and habitable. 

“The Basic Needs program at BCCS helps families facing hardships, and while Branford is a strong and caring town, people don’t realize the hardships that exist in our community,” said Peter Cimino, Executive Director of BCCS. “More than a third of our residents struggle to meet the costs of basic necessities. Rent, utilities, food, and gas have all seen dramatic increases, and it’s our job to do all we can. That’s why the Jay Pottenger Housing Fund will be a Godsend. We’ve needed something like this for a long time.” 

Working families, young people, and older adults living on fixed incomes–all of these groups face increasing pressure, which is why the Fund can be used for: 

• Temporary rental support. 

• Legal assistance for eligible tenants facing eviction or unfair rent increases. 

• Help with home heating fuel or utility bills. 

• One-time repairs and accessibility improvements, including heating, plumbing, electrical, and structural repairs. 

 
The Fund honors the deep commitment and advocacy of the late Jay Pottenger, who directed the Housing Clinic at Yale Law School and represented clients in Branford and across the country. Friends of Jay, led by Andy Marlatt and Sue Wharfe, Jay’s widow, organized the Fund in Jay’s memory, as a way to continue the work that Jay was so passionate about.

“Jay was always the happiest when he gave generously to social justice causes,” said Wharfe. “He also took great joy from making lives better and pushing the envelope towards greater equality. Thank you for honoring him in this beautiful way.” 

To learn more or to make a contribution to the Jay Pottenger Housing Fund today, visit branfordcommunityfoundation.org/fund/the-jay-pottenger-housing-fund.