“A house is made of bricks and beams,
A home is made of hopes and dreams.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
When has the word “home” been more palpable and treasured than during this past year when the pandemic took hold and changed the lives of so many? While the world shut down, Homes with Hope was making changes of another kind: a full makeover.
Homes with Hope is a Westport based non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Fairfield County. The agency provides emergency shelter for men and women, supportive housing for individuals and families, rapid- rehousing, diversion services, a community kitchen, a food pantry, youth development programs, and mentoring. The knowledgeable and innovative staff develops individualized case management plans with sustainable solutions so that everyone they serve has the opportunity to achieve and maintain an independent life.
Due to COVID-19, while the facility was forced to close their emergency shelter doors, this was the first time since its opening in 1989 that the building was unoccupied. While the case managers continued to provide services to their clients who had been relocated out of necessity, the organization decided now was the perfect opportunity to give the facility a much-needed makeover. This included painting, replacing floors, installing shower doors, new partitions, lockers, and furniture, allowing for proper social distancing in the dorms and common areas. Homes with Hopes is grateful for the support they received from those in our community who helped with this renovation, especially through the many challenges during this past year of isolation and personal struggles.
Now, Homes with Hope is looking ahead to ensuring that they can continue to provide the critical services needed by the most vulnerable in our community. To this end, they have planned their 14th annual comedy fundraiser. On June 12, strand up for Home with Hope in supporting their efforts by purchasing a link to this event: https://www.hwhct.org/standup. The show has been reviewed as: “A fantastic live-streamed evening of laughter, featuring four of the brightest stars in comedy, inspirational client stories, and special guest appearances.” If you are unable to attend, please consider a donation: https://www.hwhct.org/donate.
-Judith Marks-White