Come and See
Public event at 433 Valley Street unveils the new Project HOPE shelter
On October 29, the public will have an opportunity to preview our newly renovated emergency shelter at 433 Valley Street in Willimantic. The open house will take place from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, and will be a rare opportunity to tour the transformed space before it officially opens to guests. All are welcome!
For more than 20 years, our former “no freeze” shelter operated seasonally from November through April, hosted as many as 38 adults dormitory-style in a single large room, and moved between several different locations in that timespan. In this congregate-style setting, guests had no privacy, very limited bathroom access, and no place to safely store belongings.
Now, thanks to an ambitious renovation designed by O’Riordan Migani Architects and the support of the CT Department of Housing, Project HOPE operates a year-round shelter program that delivers the privacy and dignity every person deserves.
Those attending the unveiling event will be able to tour the new facility, including its shared micro-units (all with private bathrooms), technology room, laundry facilities, and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal spaces. The new shelter is located across the street from Generations Family Health Center and within walking distance of critical partners like Windham Hospital, WAIM, and the Covenant Soup Kitchen.
The building took 18. months to renovate. During renovations, our architect worked with general contractor G. Donovan Associates of North Franklin, Connecticut, to solve several major challenges, including significant ledge removal and unanticipated water concerns.
We are excited for you to visit us on October 29 to learn about the renovation project and see our unique shelter that will offer guests stability, dignity, privacy, peace, and space to heal and prepare for positive, life-changing opportunities. The event will include light food and beverages and a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Please RSVP by emailing meg@projecthopeect.org or visit this link.