Two New Board Members Join CHA – To Make an Impact on Homelessness

(Hartford, CT - April 27, 2026) Community Housing Advocates (CHA), the parent organization of Mercy Housing and My Sisters’ Place welcomes two new members to the organization’s Board of Directors.  Penny Contreras and Michelle O’Connell were voted onto the Board unanimously. 

PENNY CONTRERAS:   Penny brings a lifelong commitment to community and a deep passion for connecting people with the resources they need to thrive.

Originally from Minnesota and now a resident of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Penny has built a distinguished career at Travelers Insurance. With decades of experience in the industry, she currently serves as Senior Director of Enterprise Distribution Management.

Her involvement with Community Housing Advocates began through a conversation with Board Chair Lisa Hoisl, which led her to lend her fundraising expertise and donor relationships to the Hope & Home Event Committee’s gala efforts. After several years as a dedicated committee member, Penny was named Committee Chair this year and has since joined the Board of Directors, where she also serves on the Development Committee.

At home, Penny and her husband Antonio stay busy with their two college-age children, Isabella and AJ. Growing up with multiple siblings, including several sisters, she credits her early years with shaping her strong voice as an advocate for others.

MICHELLE O'CONNELL:   One of our newest board members, Michelle O’Connell, a relationship banker with M&T Bank, has a long and meaningful history with My Sisters’ Place (MSP). Her connection began as a student at the University of St. Joseph, where she volunteered alongside classmates throughout her college years, which was an experience that left a lasting impression.

That early commitment quickly grew into ongoing advocacy. When seeking volunteer opportunities for her team at M&T Bank, Michelle lead the team to MSP.

Over the years, she and her colleagues have dedicated their time to supporting both MSP and Mercy Housing, deepening their impact on individuals and families facing housing instability.

Michelle’s leadership extends even further. Two years ago, she joined the Hope & Home Celebration committee, helping to drive critical fundraising efforts. She remains an active and valued member today.

Her journey from student volunteer to board leader reflects a deep, personal commitment to our mission, and we are proud to have her voice helping guide our future.

“We are excited to be adding two more professionals to our illustrious Board of Directors,” commented Kara Capone, CEO of CHA.  “Their business acumen and diversified expertise will help to us to continue to take the important work that we do to end homelessness to the next level.”

CHA and its organizations work to provide housing assistance and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  The goal is to empower clients to become independent, so they may live and work with dignity and respect.  CHA’s main mission is to end homelessness by advocating for changes in the social systems that perpetuate homelessness.