DANBURY — Dawn Fawcett fields calls day by day from women searching for a place to remain with their youngsters.
“There is a big require for homes at the minute,” stated Fawcett, the new housing supervisor for Amos Residence, an firm shaped in 1986 by five church buildings that delivers transitional housing for women and young children.
But for now, she should direct them to the 2-1-1 hotline to join them to housing companies.
Amos Residence has been shut due to the fact very last June owing to a renovation undertaking, and the upgrades have been hindered by a pipe burst in February that brought on water damage. With a point out grant only masking portion of the get the job done, the firm is in desperate will need of donations to finish the job. COVID-19 has prevented the workforce from keeping its yearly fundraiser breakfast, a key donation-related party for the team, for the past two decades, Fawcett claimed.
The nonprofit acquired some assist on Thursday from volunteers with Keller Williams Realty, who painted the household and did other operate all around the facility as component of the company’s nationwide community company day.
About 25 to 30 volunteers ended up expected at Amos Dwelling, with some others volunteering at Cornerstone Gardens in Ridgefield, the Carver Basis in Norwalk and with the Stamford Land Conservation Have confidence in, claimed April Furey, of Keller Williams.
She explained Amos House as a “great nonprofit” for the way it supports solitary moms and their small children.
“It actually is like that changeover in between dwelling in a shelter and taking the up coming stage to impartial living,” Furey mentioned. “Keller Williams is just genuinely excited to be in a position to assistance them since they’re heading by a big renovation, so I know they’re looking ahead to reopening in the fall.”
Amos Household received a $150,000 grant from the state Office of Housing to improve the residence. But that doesn’t cover the comprehensive cost of the challenge, Fawcett mentioned.
After the drinking water problems, the firm resolved to exchange the flooring to make it extra lengthy-long lasting and simpler to clear, relatively than replacing the carpet, she claimed. Having said that, insurance policy does not cover that. The smoke detectors, stability system, and old desktops and furnishings will have to also be replaced.
The household previously has a new roof and new home windows. Critical warmth pumps had been replaced, and previous trees had been removed. The kitchen area and laundry space are remaining upgraded.
Fawcett grew to become the housing supervisor in March. A new executive director, Jennifer Seeley, is anticipated to commence next thirty day period. The corporation seems to seek the services of an additional full-time staffer and a situation manager.
Amos Property is looking at offering sponsorships for rooms, so that individuals could contribute a sure total to fill the room with new household furniture and gain a plaque on the doorway with their name. Fawcett urged neighborhood users to donate on the organization’s site.
Much more volunteers will be wanted as the corporation gets closer to its purpose reopening in the drop to deliver furniture within the property, Fawcett explained.
The facility has 25 rooms and can residence up to five households, relying on the relatives dynamic.
Relatively than a classic shelter, Amos Home presents shoppers with transitional housing and resources, this sort of as job competencies and counseling, they will need to develop into impartial.
“We give them the tools they require and education so that they can be on their possess,” Fawcett reported.