Hang Your Hat Foundation was created in March of 2004 by Dawn and John Egan as a focused approach to their philantropy. The purpose of the Foundation was shaped by Dawn’s experience as a volunteer in Fairfield’s Operation Hope Food Pantry. The need for food and housing always outstripped supply. She and John engaged Operation Hope Executive Director Meghan Lowney in conversation to determine how they might help.
The idea was to focus their philanthropy on ending homelessness, not just managing it. Temporary food and shelter was only a band-aid. Affordable housing was the answer. Thus, they formed the Foundation to support the development of housing and supportive services – two key ingredients in ending homelessness.
Beyond contributing financial support to end homelessness, Dawn and John also hoped that their children and other families might be inspired to help. The Foundation thus not only makes grants, but also owns housing. This engaged approach to philanthropy is meant to promote understanding of the real challenges faced by low-income people as well as the systematic challenges faced by organizations like Operation Hope as they work to create more affordable housing.
Over the years, Hang Your Hat has partnered primarily with Operation Hope. This partnership has extended the capacity of Operation Hope and magnified the impact of both partners. Read about HYH progress here.
Today, when the need for affordable housing is even greater, Hang Your Hat is working to extend its reach by engaging neighbors and by providing even more support to end homelessness. Find out how to help here.