It takes a village.
Summer at The Open Door Shelter
Please help those who come to The Open Door Shelter for food, shelter and support.
 
 
In Memoriam - Carole A. Antonetz 

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Carole Antonetz, who served as executive director at the Shelter for over two decades.  She was incredibly dedicated to the community and devoted so much of her life to those in need. Carole will be greatly missed by the many people who knew her.
 
Friends may greet the family on Friday from 5pm to 8pm at Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 5 East Wall Street in Norwalk.  For more information:  http://www.norwalkfh.com/sitemaker/sites/hoytco0/memsol.cgi?user_id=1829710 

Why Housing Matters

It's no t easy for many in Fairfield County to make ends meet. For most people, housing is their greatest monthly expense. For those with lower incomes, a larger percentage of income must be used to make their rent or mortgage payments. Low-income families may not have enough money to cover other vital needs, such as food, utilities, or health-related expenses if housing costs are too high.
Research has shown that affordable housing may help individuals living with chronic diseases to better maintain their treatment regimens and seek medical care more frequently. However, for those who are poor, having both stable housing and medical care is a challenge for many reasons.
 
For patients who are homeless, properly storing medication, maintaining a healthy diet and consistently going to the doctor are difficult to do when they are spending a good deal of time trying to find a place to sleep every night.
 
Affordable housing acts as a platform for other services, such as job training, that enable individuals to reach their full human potential. It is also less expensive than relying on shelters, hospitals, and other costly institutions to serve the homeless.
 
Housing is a game changer for children in families living in poverty that are homeless. With a home, a child is more likely to graduate from high school, less likely to suffer from chronic health conditions that affect their future success, and more likely to break the cycle of homelessness when they become adults.
Please contact us at info@opendoorshelter.org if you would like to help those in need!
Welcome to New Board Member, Dr. Brian Davis

The Open Door Shelter welcomes Dr. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium, to its board of directors.

Corky Stewart, Board President, stated "Dr. Davis brings an extensive background in both education and nonprofit management. His organization has serviced as a partner in providing learning opportunities for the shelter and getting the community involved in coat and food drives. He represents the quality in leadership and skills that adds value to a strong, committed board of directors at The Open Door Shelter."

Dr. Davis is also an active volunteer, serving on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Professional Development and Diversity Committees as well as the Education Committee of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.
Calling All (Overly Successful) Gardeners!
 
Is your garden overflowing and you're not sure what to do? Thanks to the weather and some good fortune, we've been hearing from gardeners who have more produce than they can use. We would like to spread the word that YES, we would love to receive some of your harvest!

All fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs are welcome at The Open Door Shelter. Donated produce will be used by the chefs who prepare meals in our Manna House kitchen, and we'll also be able to offer more fresh food to our food pantry clients.

The Open Door Shelter provides over 300 meals a day, 365 days a year to residents and members of the community. We also serve over 1,000 people through our food pantry's grocery program. With that many people in need, every donation helps.

Unfortunately we're unable to pick up donations, but please drop off items whenever is convenient for you!
Community Supporters 

Thank you to the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk for providing a wonderful lending library and reading events for children at The Open Door Shelter. The Open Door Shelter provides an after-school program at our Family Resource Center to help kids learn to love reading and perform at grade level. 
 
Another thank you to First County Bank for their contribution for food, shelter, and case management services for our residents.
 
We would also like to thank The Community Fund of Darien for accepting us as a 2016 grant recipient. We're honored to receive their continued support. 

Finally, Fairfield County Community Foundation also has made a grant gift to support core services for those in need. Thank you for your believe in bringing good people together with good work. 

 Thank you to Nan Gregg who encouraged her family and friends to donate to the Open Door Shelter for her 90th birthday!
 
Our thoughts are with Arthur Malcarney as he deals with health challenges and treatment.   Your big heart has provided many with a warm meal and hope and we are with you in spirit.     
If you would like to help those in need of food, shelter, and support, you can always serve the people who come to The Open Door Shelter for assistance.  Please make a gift at The Open Door Shelter's website or send a donation to 4 Merritt Street, Norwalk, CT  06854.

It takes a village to find a home for everyone.


The Open Door Shelter | (203) 866-1057 |   info@opendoorshelter.org | www.opendoorshelter.org
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