Rev. Bonita D. Grubbs Corner Honors New Haven's Beloved Humanitarian

NEW HAVEN, CT — Friday, the newly named Reverend Bonita D. Grubbs Corner at Davenport Avenue and Ward Street was unveiled. The honor commemorates a lifetime of service by the longtime nonprofit and community leader.

For 35 years, Grubbs served as the executive director of Christian Community Action (CCA), one of New Haven’s leading non-profit social service agencies dedicated to supporting individuals and families in crisis and increasing their long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

Under Grubbs leadership, CCA provided thousands of New Haven residents with emergency food, housing, utilities and heating assistance, and other services — and spearheaded new and innovative programs to connect residents to employment, financial security, and long-term housing.

In addition to her work at CCA, Grubbs has served on numerous boards and received several awards, including the Humanitarian Award from the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

The street corner renaming effort was led by CCA and Alder Angel Hubbard. After a successful petition drive demonstrating support from city residents, the Board of Alders unanimously approved the street corner renaming in January 2025.

In addition to the street sign unveiling, Friday’s event included remarks from elected and community leaders and performances by the John C. Daniels Honor Band, Yale Gospel Choir, and Rhythms from the Heart.