Operation Hope is fortunate to have recently received a $25,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF) for our Homeless Response Center (HRC). The grant will specifically support the Coordinated Access Network (CAN) Navigators and housing search coordination activities which assist hundreds of people each year. The funding runs from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
The purpose of the HRC is to provide street outreach services, crisis intervention, case management, shelter diversion, CAN Navigation services, homeless prevention, housing placement, and clinical counseling with the hopes to get people off the streets and into safe, stable housing. It is anticipated the HRC will serve 600 low-income individuals and families annually through its services. This represents a diverse population in need who are hungry, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“As part of the state-wide Coordinated Access Network (CAN), Operation Hope’s program serves not only Fairfield, but it surrounding community and Fairfield County. Constituents are of varied race, ethnicity, age, ability, religion and sexual orientation. Last year the HRC served 580 unduplicated people, and this year we expect the numbers to continue to grow,” said Operation Hope’s Executive Director Carla Miklos. “This is an outstanding impact within our community, and our history of success in providing stability in permanent, affordable rental housing depends on the support of partners such as FCCF who are committed to building and sustaining a vital and prosperous community where all have the opportunity to participate and thrive.”
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards, and has awarded over $212 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.
Operation Hope’s mission is to provide people the opportunity to experience transformative change. Our programs focus on eliminating hunger and homelessness, addressing complex needs, and encouraging independence. We help people solve their crises and build stability in an environment that fosters compassion, dignity, and hope. We envision a time when every person in our community has supportive relationships, hope for the future, and a place to call home.