John F.Hoctor's excellent article-- about how Westport's Gillespie Center in the heart of the downtown has been catering to the needs of its homeless for 25 years-- is very timely and poignant.
A few pertinent facts he shares with us: In the Stamford-Norwalk area over 51% of the sheltered homeless have jobs; of homeless families living in shelters 36% are employed.
The Westport shelter is administered by Homes with Hope, an interfaith housing association.A whopping 59% of their budget is from private sources and 26% if from grants and 13% from events and programs and 5% from churches and service clubs.
Hoctor follows in detail the lives of two residents of Gillespie: "Ralph" and "Sally" two survivors in "the heart of a bucolic bastion of suburban opulence."
The article is worth the time to read and spread the word around about Westport's commendable efforts to take care of its less fortunate residents.
Time to bring this article up to date.
Jeff Weiser retiring CEO of Homes with Hope
Jeff Weiser recently retired in December, 2019 as Director and CEO of Home with Hope after serving for the last 9 years. Click here for a tribute to all the good he has done including expanding the number of beds provided each night to 115 via 44 supportive housing units.
Jeff is being replaced by Helen McAlinden who began her position on January 6th earlier this year.
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