🥶🥶🥶 Governor Ned Lamont is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and remaining in effect until noon on Friday, January 16, 2026, due to a blast of cold air that will impact the state during this period, including overnight temperatures that are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens with wind chills ranging between zero and ten degrees. Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 2-1-1 at https://uwc.211ct.org/get-help/warmingcenters/ or call 2-1-1 to find your nearest warming center. Transportation can be provided if necessary. Please stay warm and safe!

Operation Hope of Fairfield announced today that Carla Miklos will retire as Executive Director at the end of March 2026, closing a remarkable 19-year chapter of service and leadership. During her tenure, Miklos helped grow the organization into a cornerstone of support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, and housing insecurity in Fairfield County.

Under Miklos’s leadership, Operation Hope experienced unprecedented growth and impact. The organization’s annual budget expanded from just over $800,000 to nearly $4,000,000, while client services grew from serving 250 individuals annually to 1,750. Miklos spearheaded the expansion of a more comprehensive housing portfolio through master leasing, Section 8 vouchers, and innovative partnerships with developers for set-aside units in new buildings. She also opened the organization’s food pantry to anyone in need in Fairfield and Easton, ensuring that no community member goes to bed hungry.

“As the former Treasurer of Operation Hope’s Board, I have personally worked with Carla Miklos for over 12 years. Her leadership and tireless work ethic has transformed the organization into what it is today. I watched firsthand as she delivered results for Operation Hope’s clients and the broader community. Her legacy of integrity and leadership will be missed,” said Ryan C. Sheppard, CPA.

Beyond Operation Hope’s organizational growth, Miklos played a pivotal leadership role in the broader community, helping to unify three separate continuums of care into one countywide entity. This collaboration coordinates all federal funding, maintains best practices and evidence-based approaches, and ensures high standards of performance across all agencies serving the region.

“These 19 years have been some of the most fulfilling of my professional life,” said Miklos. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and the lives we have touched. While this decision was not easy, I believe the timing is right – both for me personally and for Operation Hope’s continued vitality. I remain deeply committed to this organization and will continue to support Operation Hope as we conduct our capital campaign to secure a new home for the organization.”

Miklos has committed to a thoughtful and seamless transition over the coming months. She will work closely with the board and leadership team to identify current strategic priorities, document institutional knowledge and key relationships, and support the search for and onboarding of her successor.

Following her retirement, Miklos plans to remain engaged with Operation Hope’s mission by supporting the organization’s ongoing initiative to develop a new facility. She looks forward to spending more time with her family and friends and is excited to see where this new chapter leads. 

About Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc. 

For over 40 years, Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc. has been dedicated to ending homelessness, hunger, and housing insecurity in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Through comprehensive services including outreach, housing, case management, food security programs, and more, the nonprofit serves approximately 1,750 individuals and families annually. Operation Hope believes everyone deserves supportive relationships, hope for the future and a place to call home. For more information, visit www.operationhopect.org.

Photo credit: Fairfield Lifestyle
Press release here

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Operation Hope’s Office, Pantry and Community Kitchen will be closed January 19, 2026; the Office and Community Kitchen resume services January 20; the Pantry resumes service January 21. Please do not leave donations unattended when the Office and Community Kitchen are closed. Thank you.

🚨636 Old Post Road is CLOSED TODAY! 🚨The Business Office, Food Pantry and donation drop off are closed today, January 12, due to building issues. We’re hoping to reopen tomorrow. Thank you for your patience!

Our Food Pantry, scheduled for 4-6pm today, is CLOSED! We’re hoping to reopen for tomorrow, 10am-12pm. Thank you for your patience!

As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the resilience, support and generosity of our community, and how you continue to sustain Operation Hope of Fairfield’s ability to keep helping our neighbors in need. Thank you for placing your faith in us and for sharing our vision and hope that no one should go hungry and that everyone deserves a safe place to live.

Please consider making a year-end tax deductible gift to Operation Hope of Fairfield here. Our efforts to end hunger and homelessness, one person at a time, are not possible without you. Together, we can make a difference, and create positive and lasting change for those who need it most.

From all of us here at Operation Hope of Fairfield, we wish you a prosperous year where hope and love shine brightly for you and yours. Happy 2026!