The most important outcome of the Foundation’s work is the positive impact realized in the lives of children and families. Through its Housing Program and its overall philanthropic strategy, the Foundation has helped many families in need. The Housing Program: Hang Your Hat Foundation has provided the capital to purchase two duplexes in Fairfield and Bridgeport. These homes are managed in partnership with Operation Hope of Fairfield, inc. to ensure that many families have an opportunity to leave homelessness. Operation Hope is a non profit service organization working to end homeslessness.
Since the beginning, ten families, including 18 children, have gained stability and confidence and taken steps toward leaving homelessness behind forever. While they live in the home, each household holds a lease and pays no more than 30% of their income toward rent. This allows them to afford other household expenses and to stabilize financially. The families rent the apartment from Operation Hope and may stay indefinitely. This is not a program where they must leave at a predetermined time. Rather, this is a person-centered program: As long as they meet the income criteria and need the housing, they may stay. Learn more about affordable housing here.
The housing is affordable but it is also supportive. “Supportive Housing” is a model of affordable housing that provides just the right supports for many of households leaving homelessness. These households may be battling more than just poverty – they may also need help with addiction or mental health disorders, or learning to improve their parenting skills. The key idea of the supportive services is that they are tailored to the individual needs of each households and geared to helping them gain stability and independence. Operation Hope social workers provide the caring, professional support through home visits. The impact on the lives of children and their parents/guardians is remarkable yet not surprising. Once families have a stable, safe home, so many other aspects of their life improve including health, education and family life.