Operation Hope was 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 provide food and emergency shelter. The foundation of Operation Hope as a community organization was fueled by the energy of concerned citizens. In that same year, Operation Hope became a 501©3 organization.

In 1988, 50 Nichols Street was provided by the Town of Fairfield, renovated and opened as a Shelter for Men with 18 beds, Community Kitchen, and a Food Pantry. The Shelter for Women followed in 1990 and the Shelter for Families in 1995. Recognizing that our clients needed safe, affordable housing to move into when leaving shelter, Operation Hope opened its first home for formerly homeless adults in 1996. Operation Hope currently owns or operates 46 units of affordable, supportive housing,. With the goal of providing support services to increase individual stability and self-sufficiency, in 1997 the clinical and support services programs were created. In 2008, Operation Hope’s administrative staff, as well as some clinical staff, moved into our new office, located at 636 Old Post Road.

In 2010, we opened an additional family unit at our shelter location. In 2011 we expanded the availability of scattered site, affordable housing units through collaboration and partnership. Celebrating 25 years of serving the community, we look forward to continuing to assist our neighbors in need — until a time when no one is hungry, homeless, at-risk, or without a stable support system.

Operation Hope provides the opportunity for individuals and families to experience transformative change. By addressing basic needs for food and shelter, as well as offering long-term solutions to hunger and homelessness, including affordable housing, life skills training and personalized clinical support, we help people reach their potential in an environment where compassion inspires dignity and hope.

our vision

We envision a time when every person in our community has supportive relationships, hope for the future, and a place to call home.