Senior Housing Advocates Celebrated In West Hartford

West Hartford Fellowship Housing

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local nonprofit dedicated to managing and aiding affordable housing for the elderly and disabled recently honored two longtime board members.

West Hartford Fellowship Housing (WHFH) recently celebrated the contributions of two of its longest-serving board members, Miriam Fleishman and Stuart Mahler.

Combined, Fleishman and Mahler have devoted more than 50 years of service to WHFH, "helping to shape the organization and ensure that it continues to provide safe, affordable housing to elders and individuals with disabilities in the West Hartford community," the organization wrote.

West Hartford Fellowship Housing is a non-profit provider of affordable housing and related services for the elderly and adults with disabilities.

It was founded in the 1960s and the organization has grown from a small, volunteer-led initiative to a vibrant, supportive community that helps seniors live independently.

The organization manages a campus of apartment buildings off Starkel Road dedicated to the demographic WHFH serves.

Currently, more than 200 units are at the site, with expansion and redevelopment plans looking to increase that figure to more than 300. That project broke ground in November 2023 and work is ongoing.

When Fleishman first became involved with WHFH in the late 1980s, the organization was a much smaller operation, with just a few board members managing a limited number of units.

“We’ve seen the organization evolve from a small-run business to a large, well-organized enterprise. The addition of WHFH’s third development in 1991 was a key turning point,” Fleishman said. “As the government became more involved, the need for expansion became clear. It’s been incredible to watch the organization grow in both size and scope, with residents becoming more engaged and active in the community.”

Mahler, who joined the board in 1999, recalls the early challenges the organization faced.

“The first HUD-funded sections were outdated and in need of significant improvements. They were small, and the construction was not energy efficient. It wasn’t the kind of place people wanted to talk about, but it was a place people needed. Our mission was clear—ensure that these homes remained safe, secure, and livable for our residents,” he said.

One of the most significant turning points during Fleishman and Mahler’s tenure was the decision to address the aging structures of “Fellowship 1 and 2.”

Both sections of the complex were showing signs of wear, and it became clear that significant redevelopment was necessary.

"We knew we needed to rebuild, but it wasn’t a simple task,” Mahler recalls. “It took time, persistence, and collaboration with architects, housing consultants, and government agencies to bring that vision to life. We are now in the process of redeveloping our campus by constructing new apartment units so that our residents will live in modern, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of today’s seniors and young disabled individuals.”

Fleishman and Mahler’s legacy of service continues to inspire the next generation of board members and volunteers.

Under their leadership, WHFH has expanded and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community.

With an increasing number of residents choosing to "age in place," WHFH has ensured that its services and amenities will continue to support them in leading independent, fulfilling lives.

“I’ve seen firsthand how far WHFH has come, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Fleishman reflects. “It’s been an honor to serve alongside so many dedicated individuals, and I know the future of this organization is in good hands.”

For more information about West Hartford Fellowship Housing, click on this link.

From Nov. 29, 2023: 'Massive WeHa Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground'