New Haven nonprofit Wealth Beacon Group Foundation describes housing-plus-services model; says it has housed seven families

Amir Glenn and Yvette Glenn, founders of the Wealth Beacon Group Foundation, told the Black and Hispanic Caucus on Sept. 10 that their nonprofit rents units to shelter‑referred families and provides wraparound services that include mental‑health referrals, financial‑literacy classes and welcome‑home kits.

"Homeownership was the beginning that impacted me the most," Amir Glenn said, describing why the group seeks to move tenants from homelessness to permanent housing. The presenters said the organization had housed seven families and 17 children as of the coming week, and that it aims to expand its housing inventory and partnerships.

Why this matters: Wealth Beacon’s model ties short‑term housing placements to services intended to increase housing stability and, ultimately, homeownership. Speakers described partnerships with shelter case managers, referral via the 211 system, and collaborations with organizations including Christian Community Action, the Child Study Center at Yale, Connex, Connecticut Money School, Access Wellness and Arise Center.

Program model and tenant requirements
Presenters said they generally accept tenants referred from shelters and work with case managers; applicants are expected to be "housing ready" and to participate in tenant‑readiness coursework the nonprofit runs. Amir Glenn said the group emphasizes accountability and support: "I wanna be your last landlord," he said, and described a tenant‑readiness course that covers basic household skills and neighborly conduct.

On screening, presenters said they do not screen on credit for applicants in these circumstances but do conduct background checks and are considering juvenile records review for household members 18 and older. They said their approach has resulted in no evictions to date.

Services, partnerships and campaigns
The foundation runs a financial‑literacy program called Shine Academy and described two fundraising campaigns: "Housing with Purpose" to fund property acquisition and a "Welcome Home" campaign that assembles starter kits of cleaning supplies, linens and toiletries for new tenants. The foundation also described a "Beacon of Cheer" holiday drive and an Amazon wish list used to supply essentials for moves.

Scale and goals
Presenters said they started work in 2023 and that the organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in August (presenter gave the timing as "a year ago in August"). They described a goal to scale to serve many more households and said they plan further outreach and community events, including a spring community walk to raise awareness about homelessness and affordable housing needs.

Funding and referrals
Speakers asked the caucus to note their work and said they would seek donations and partnerships; they did not present a formal funding request at the meeting. The presenters recommended that anyone who wants to refer a household contact 211 or work through shelter case managers who can confirm voucher eligibility and household size.

Speakers quoted in this story are drawn from caucus meeting remarks and include Amir Glenn and Yvette Glenn (Wealth Beacon Group Foundation).