In May 2025, Urban Alliance received word that World Vision, our long-standing partner, would be closing its East Hartford distribution facility due to shifts in national and international funding. For years, this center has been a vital source of support for thousands of teachers, families, students, and organizations across Connecticut. One of the primary reasons that Urban Alliance moved its office to East Hartford was because of the available warehouse space that makes a distribution center like this possible.
We are delighted to tell you that, beginning July 2, 2025, Urban Alliance will assume full ownership and operation of the distribution center!
Introducing the UA Distribution Center
In one sense, this feels like a big shift – Urban Alliance will now oversee every aspect of the center’s work—including staffing, inventory, scheduling, and partnership development. It is more than a leadership shift—it’s a bold, Spirit-led step forward in deepening our local impact. And with this shift, there will be some changes:
- The branding, signage and communications around the Distribution Center will be changing over the next several weeks.
- UA Network Partners and Distribution Center volunteers should expect to see clear communication about the Essential Supplies Program, including updated agreements and expectations.
- We will be evaluating scheduling systems, inventory processes, and more – seeking to improve them over time.
But the good news is that many things will not change:
- Mario and Etiel, the World Vision staff that have served this center with excellence and heart, will officially join the Urban Alliance team in July. They will continue to provide the same reliable, warm service you’ve come to know and trust.
- The Essential Supplies Program and the Teacher Resource Center, two programs at the heart of our mission, will continue to be programs of the UA Distribution Center. Since we wil now be an official Affiliate Partner of World Vision, we can continue to provide vital resources at no cost to our Program Partners and supported schools.
Deepening Local Impact
With full local leadership now in place, we’re able to expand our reach across Connecticut in exciting new ways. This transition gives us the flexibility to cultivate relationships with local donors, businesses, and retailers—further tailoring our efforts to meet the unique needs of the schools, churches, and nonprofits we serve.
A Partnership Invitation
Taking full responsibility for this work is a major undertaking—one that calls for shared investment and bold faith. But the return is remarkable: every $1 entrusted to Urban Alliance yields $25 or more in essential goods and supplies for our neighbors.
This isn’t just about giving—it’s about partnership. When you contribute, you’re making a profound statement: You believe in the mission. You believe in the people we serve. You believe in lasting change.
Today, more than 1,500 teachers and over 150 local organizations count on these resources. With your help, we will not only sustain this impact—we will grow it.
Will you partner with us in this next chapter?
If you feel led, we invite you to join us in this exciting new season. Your support—prayerful, financial, and relational—helps us expand hope and possibility across the region.
