Last night's gala was a night to remember. 

We were thrilled to give this year's Village Luminary award to someone  who has been with The Open Door Shelter for decades. Nate Yordon, a partner at Capossela, C ohen, LL C, is a dedicated community servant who has committed to improving the lives of those living in poverty, needing help, support, housing, and in addressing the effects of 

personal and family crisis on people's lives.

Our evening was hosted by Corky Stewart, the president of The Open Door Shelter board  of directors and a tireless volunteer. Corky reminded everyone that our gala theme  "It Takes a Village to Change a Life" can be seen every day through the work that the Shelter's volunteers, partner organizations, and staff do to help people in our community. Mayor Harry Rilling of Norwalk graciously  reprised his role as auctioneer for the evening and encouraged guests to raise their paddles for those in need.

Jeannette Archer-Simons, Executive Director spoke about how we are inspired by the change we see every day as we build a strong community, together.  She introduced a new shelter video produced by IMsci of Stamford.  It illustrated how together we provide a hand up to those in need.  

It was a night of good people, helping a good cause, do good work.  Thank you to all the sp onsors, auction item contributors, attendees and donors!  A special thank you to the Gala Committee and board of directors for their efforts to make it an amazing event.

Sponsors for this year's Gala and Auction include Capossela, Cohen, LLC; Cesco's Trattoria; Charles IT; Diageo; Gway Printing & Graphics; Hotel Zero Degrees; IMsci; Merrill Lynch; Moffly Media; Source Marketing; Wheelock Street Capital; Jon and Susan Beyman; Barbara and Aldo Chiamulera; Susan Christy; Dennis and Nancy Meany; and Curtis and Jill Stewart. 

Students and teachers from Winston Preparatory School created a beautiful mural in our children's play area. The colorful painting brightens the space, and it was wonderful to see young people volunteering to help children in need.

A team of volunteers from Priceline.com painted and Gazy Brothers Farms donated hanging flower baskets to make one of our supportive housing units on South Main Street house feel more like home.

Along with other shelters and social service organizations across the state, The Open Door Shelter has been working diligently to find housing for the chronically homeless, those experiencing long-term homelessness and living with severe disabilities. With fewer cases of chronic homelessness, The Open Door Shelter can focus more resources on families and individuals who are recently homeless.

The Shelter is also able to devote more resources to effectively address the causes and complexities of the homeless and working poor by providing food, clothing, case management services, treatment services, transitional planning for short and long term goals, subsidized housing, education, employment, and a path towards independence and success.

The Point-In-Time Count is a one-day unduplicated count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals and families across the United States. 

Learn more about the Point in Time count