American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is an institutional fund manager and operating partner focused on office, industrial, data center and residential/mixed-use repositioning and development throughout the East Coast. AREP provides expertise in all ownership disciplines, including acquisitions and asset management, development and positioning, property management, leasing and market research, construction management and engineering. Thank you AREP for your generous support!

Wells Fargo and its Foundation are committed to helping communities thrive by supporting financially resilient families, vibrant small businesses, and affordable places to call home. Philanthropic initiatives focus on opportunities that align priorities around financial opportunity, housing access and affordability, and small business growth. Thank you Wells Fargo for supporting our communities!

Webster Bank, the Building Foundations Technology Sponsor, provides comprehensive financing solutions and alternatives for the purpose of acquiring, developing, constructing, improving or refinancing commercial real estate. Webster Bank is a leading mid-sized bank that has national-level strength with community-centered values. Their inclusive and diverse workplace along with their values of helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their financial goals is “The Webster Way.” Webster Bank works with local communities and knows their involvement makes a difference. Thank you Webster Bank for your generous support!

CohnReznick, a Building Foundations Premier Sponsor, is one of the most influential real estate practices in the industry. Their real estate division focuses on affordable housing, commercial real estate, construction, corporate real estate, opportunity zones and tax credits. CohnReznick’s innovative and client-centric culture views their success as a call-to-action … a means to improve our communities, promote beneficial legislative policies and progress the high standards of the accounting profession. Thank you CohnReznick for your generous support!

Kelley Drye & Warren, a Building Foundations Premier Sponsor, is a powerhouse firm of skilled practitioners in the areas of litigation, regulatory, real estate, corporate and bankruptcy combine their talents to address the unique complexities of their clients’’ legal challenges. Kelley Drye & Warren is committed to diversity and inclusion, pro bono work to assist the underrepresented, and the gifts of service and resources. They take pride in making a positive impact on their communities, championing causes to foster a culture of compassion, generosity and social responsibility. Thank you Kelley Drye & Warren for your generous support!

LAZ Parking, a Building Foundations Emerald Sponsor, is more than just the fastest growing and second largest parking company in the country – they believe that the work they do and how they treat people can really Make a Difference. LAZ Parking offers safe and convenient parking garages across the U.S. including Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, San Diego, New York City, San Francisco and more. Known for delivering great service and maximum financial results, LAZ Parking helps its partners interested in leasing their facility, entering into management agreements or selling their parking facilities. Thank you, LAZ Parking, for your support! 

Smith Brothers, a Building Foundations Premium Sponsor, is one of the largest and most respected independent insurance firms in New England. Their mission is to build a growing, profitable company that demonstrates a level of service higher than industry standards and delivers it in a professional way to their clients – offering the best products available and providing knowledgeable advice so their clients know they have an advocate and their assets are protected.  Their strategic priorities include being a great place to work, client experience, profitable growth and a culture of helping others, their big purpose. Smith Brothers donates both volunteer hours and resources to causes in their community. Thank you Smith Brothers for your generous support!

When you support Building Foundations, you are preventing and reducing homelessness for children, adults and families in our community. Since 2021, thanks to the generosity of Building Foundations Breakfast supporters, $3 million (and counting) of much-needed funds were raised to ensure that:  

• More than 2,400 people received emergency shelter;
• More than 6,700 people avoided homelessness through the shelter diversion programs and rental assistance;  
• Information and referral services through United Way 211 continued to be funded; and,  
• Nearly 15 students at Covenant Preparatory School in Hartford have their tuition fully paid each year they attend the school.

The Unspoken Words of a Grateful Population

For the sake of authenticity allow me to first disclose
Of my own past experiences with homelessness and addiction.

It is for that reason, and others
I stand before you now
Attempting to honor the multitude of voices
of thousands of grateful recpients,

Recipients of this foundation’s generosity, courage,
Dedication, commitment, and unyielding compassion.

For in every act of true compassion-there lies a compass
Whether pointing due North, due South, Due East, or Due West
For this coalition, it will always point to “do something”
–To make the world a better place–
Builders, of all people, know the importance of a straight line.
In the complex matters of humanity-unlike walls
Lives are rarely squared on both ends.

Builders also know the importance of a strong foundation
To be stable-is to be able.

Therein lies the beauty and the miracle of your work
It has been once said: “to change a single life-is to change the world”.

To that notion, I would simply add-
–Change is not only at the bottom of our purses
But also–in the depth of our pursuits.

Ralph J. Gagliardo
Hands on Hartford’s Faces of Homelessness Speaker
Original poem written April 2025