$4 Million Facility Planned For Operation Hope In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield officials expect to secure partial funding next week for a new multimillion-dollar facility for Operation Hope.

State Reps. Jennifer Leeper, Cristin McCarthy Vahey and Laura Devlin, and state Sen. Tony Hwang announced Wednesday that a $1.5 million state bond request for the purchase and renovation of the facility had been put on the state bonding commission's agenda by Gov. Ned Lamont.

"What a welcome early holiday present; Operation Hope does so much for our community," Devlin said in a news release. "During the pandemic, we have seen an uptick in food and housing insecurity and this state money will permit Operation Hope to serve more families in Fairfield."

Operation Hope has been assisting homeless and hungry people in Fairfield, Bridgeport and across the region for over 35 years, but its current situation at 636 Old Post Road is tentative and does not meet the organization's needs, according to Executive Director Carla Miklos.

"This funding will stabilize our operation and allow us to help our neighbors not only solve their crises, but build skills and access opportunities to truly thrive," Miklos said in the news release.

Hwang serves as the ranking senator on the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee’s bonding subcommittee.

"In placing Operation Hope on the next State Bond Commission Agenda, I am thrilled that my colleagues continue to consider investing in an agency which in turn invests its heart, soul, and limited financial means into supporting those members of our community who truly need it most," he said in the news release. "Home security and food security are vital components to every person's life."

If approved Tuesday, the $1.5 million bond request will provide the funds to purchase and renovate a property for Operation Hope to consolidate its programs into one facility. Most requests on the commission's agenda are approved. The estimated total cost of the project is $4 million.

"With the prospective funds, Operation Hope will have the capability to remain here in Fairfield, serving even more families in need," Leeper said in the news release.

The new location will include Operation Hope's homeless resource center, community kitchen, food pantry, affordable housing, housing first, case management and counseling programs. It will provide a long-term solution to Operation Hope's needs, allowing the organization to continue serving over 2,000 individuals and families each year.

"Operation Hope is a critical resource for community members in need of food, supportive housing and social work services," McCarthy Vahey said in the news release. "I am both happy and proud to support the state's investment in an organization that works alongside our community to empower those in need."