Created as a Local Response to Local Needs

Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1986 when local residents became aware of individuals in the community unable to meet their own basic needs of food and shelter. Clergy and lay leaders worked together to create a local response to their needs. They found an ally in Jacky Durrell, the town's First Selectman. The foundation of Operation Hope as a community organization fueled by the energy of concerned citizens was established.

At first, a temporary shelter was opened at First Church Congregational in Fairfield, CT. Several homeless people began using this place of respite right away. Meanwhile, 50 Nichols Street was renovated and then opened in January 1988 with a Shelter for Men and a Food Pantry. In subsequent years, many other programs have been activated. These include the Shelter for Women (1990), Micah Housing (1992), Shelter for Families (1995), The Readiness Project (1997), The Successful Tenancy Among Residents (STAR) Program (1997), and Operation Hope Chest Thrift Shop (2001).

Today, Operation Hope depends on continuing support from individuals, civic and faith-based groups, businesses, and private foundations to achieve our mission. To expand our reach and impact, we have taken steps in the last few years to increase our capacity to provide quality services. We are committed to providing this most vulnerable population with the tools and support necessary to achieve stability and self-reliance. Our focus is not to merely expand to serve more households, but also to enhance the participant outcomes.