News Times Article
News-Times Article
March 28, 2010
DANBURY -- From the exterior, the green two-family house with white shutters and a backyard shed in the middle of Aaron Samuels Boulevard seems quite ordinary.
Talk to those who live inside, and you will hear it is something quite extraordinary.
"This was like a gift from heaven,'' said Mary, a 62-year-old secretary who was living in the city's New Street homeless shelter before she moved here four months ago. She declined to give her last name.
Opened 12 years ago as Shelter of the Cross, this privately funded transitional housing for up to six homeless or near-homeless men and women age 58 or over has recently been renamed Renewal House to better reflect the mission of "rebuilding older lives by restoring independence,'' said executive director David Lias.
Residents can stay a maximum of two years, but the average stay is about 11 months. "No matter what name they give it, it's still a wonderful program,'' said Ray Brandtmeyer, 61, who moved into Renewal House in May 2008 and left in December for the city's 10-bed housing complex for homeless veterans on New Street.
A Danbury native and Vietnam veteran, Brandtmeyer said Renewal House is a needed respite for those who -- often by circumstances beyond their control -- find themselves without anywhere to live.
"It gives you a chance to get on your feet,'' said Brandtmeyer, a regular visitor who often cooks for the monthly potluck suppers held for residents and graduates.
For those willing to make the life changes needed to find permanent housing, "this program works," Brandtmeyer said.
Program manager Judy Sheridan said the goal is to help residents obtain the income and benefits they need to secure permanent housing. Ninety-six percent of graduates are able to avoid another period of homelessness.
After graduating from the Renewal House program, Sheridan said, residents still have case management services for up to 18 months. Most move into subsidized apartments or complexes designated for senior citizens Some who have medical problems require nursing home care, she said.
"This was really the first program in the area that treated the elderly homeless with complete dignity,'' said Kim Morgan, program director at the United Way of Western Connecticut. "They have a strong track record and have been an excellent partner.'' Renewal House last year received a $14,484 United Way grant, one expected to continue in the coming fiscal year.
Renewal House' annual budget is now $181,500, all of which comes through grants, fundraising and donations, Lias said.
To Mary, Renewal House is just what the new name suggests: a chance to rebuild her life, which unraveled when she was laid off, losing her income and insurance about the same time she was diagnosed with a chronic medical condition.
With roots in the Danbury area, she wanted to re-establish herself here, but it was harder than she expected.
"I worked all my life,'' said Mary, a single mother who raised three children. "Never in a million years did I think I would be homeless.''
Since arriving at Renewal House, Mary has received help that led to a 20-hour-a-week job as an office assistant. She is now filling out applications for various housing programs.
Contact Nanci Hutson
at nhutson@newstimes.com
or at 860-354-2274.
