Fairfield Court in Stamford, CT was a public housing development scheduled for demolition under the HOPE VI program. While the public housing complex was ripe for demolition, it was a home to many. The 144 households faced the prospect of relocation and all the changes that would come with it.

Charter Oak Communities, formerly known as the Stamford Housing Authority, could and would not leave the residents in the cold. In partnership with Family Centers, a nonprofit family services agency, caseworkers offered one-on-one counseling and vocational training services to support the relocation effort. Funded through the HOPE VI program, the services proved to be crucial for residents - especially for the elderly, disabled and non-English speakers.

Caseworker Clyde Evans provides one-on-one counseling

Jim Middletown, a Family Centers caseworker, teaches a computer class to residents

The support provided went well beyond helping families relocate. As an example, one of the caseworkers helped a woman enroll in English classes as part of adult continuing education in the Stamford Public Schools. The caseworker also helped the woman's husband in obtaining unemployment benefits that had been denied.

Vincent Tufo, Executive Director of Charter Oak Communities, notes that the partnership has had "far reaching benefits for the community." This is a partnership that works!

Visit Charter Oak Communities (http://www.charteroakcommunities.org/) and Family Centers (http://www.familycenters.org/) to learn more about their programs.

Content Archived: March 21, 2011