Pacific House, Inc.

In honor of Social Work Month 2025, we’re celebrating the power of community partnerships that help meet our clients' most essential needs with compassion and action. Pictured here: (L to R) George Keels and Gary Sims of Pacific House alongside Ellen Wilson and Nicky Viney of The Undies Project Inc., who generously delivered a timely donation of new undergarments for our shelter clients and residents in our permanent supportive housing programs. These items may seem small, but they make a world of difference in restoring dignity, boosting confidence, and supporting health and wellness for those rebuilding their lives. ?? Thank you to our neighbors at The Undies Project for answering the call and standing with us to support those who benefit most. #SocialWorkMonth #CompassionAndAction #PacificHouseCT #TheUndiesProject #DignityFirst #CommunityCare #SupportiveHousing #EndingHomelessnessTogether #BuildingFutures

We are thrilled to announce that Whitney Creutz has joined Pacific House as our Chief Development Officer, where she will lead our fundraising, communications, and marketing efforts. Whitney brings a wealth of experience, combining a successful career in commercial real estate private equity with a strong track record in the nonprofit sector. After years specializing in investor relations, marketing, and business development, Whitney transitioned to mission-driven work, applying her expertise to advance fundraising initiatives, build strategic partnerships, and enhance community engagement for several organizations. Please join us in welcoming Whitney to the Pacific House family as we continue our vital work to prevent and end homelessness in Fairfield County. https://lnkd.in/et_Db6K4 #pacifichousect

?? Social Work Month Spotlight ?? This March, we honor the heart and soul behind the compassionate care of our incredible social workers. Elizabeth King, MS, LMSW, Ancillary Program Manager & Training Coordinator, reminds us that working with individuals experiencing homelessness is not only meaningful, it’s transformative. "Be open, be willing to grow, and most importantly, be yourself. That’s what brought you here." – Elizabeth King Her words embody this year’s theme: Social Work = Compassion + Action. At Pacific House, that’s more than a message and our mission. #SocialWorkMonth #CompassionAndAction #PacificHouseCT #EndHomelessness

#FlashbackFriday We wanted to share our experience from the 25th Annual Stamford Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast, where Pacific House was represented by our leadership team - Carmen I. Colón (President & CEO), Michelle Fanwick (Development Director), and Elsi Lyons (Chief Marketing Officer). The panel discussion on Economic Development, Infrastructure, and Local Economy was particularly relevant to our mission to prevent and end homelessness in Fairfield County.? As we know, stable housing is intrinsically linked to economic development and community prosperity. Our participation in these crucial conversations allows us to: ??? Advocate for affordable housing solutions ??? Build partnerships with business leaders and policymakers ??? Share insights about the critical connection between housing stability and economic growth ??? Highlight how our work contributes to the broader economic health of our community These discussions are vital as we continue to expand our deeply affordable permanent supportive housing initiatives across Stamford and surrounding communities. With over 140 housing units and our ongoing development projects, including our latest West Side development, we're actively contributing to Stamford's economic development while fulfilling our mission. We extend our gratitude to the event sponsors - AT&T, Crown Castle, Deloitte, F.D. Rich Company, M&T Bank, and RMS Companies - for supporting these important community dialogues. You can view photos from the event, captured by photographer Karlos Mikem. As we continue our work to prevent and end homelessness, these partnerships and conversations with local business leaders and legislators remain crucial to our success. Thank you for your continued support of Pacific House's mission. To learn more about how you can support our mission, please visit www.pacifichouse.org.

At Pacific House, we know that ending homelessness requires more than just providing shelter, it requires strong policies, adequate funding, and collaborative solutions that address the root causes of housing insecurity. That’s why we’re encouraged to see the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving advocating for critical legislation that aligns with the work we do every day to support our most vulnerable neighbors. We encourage everyone to learn more about these vital efforts:

At Pacific House, we’re more than a shelter, we’re a family. ?? Our Program Manager, George A. Keels, shares what makes our shelter a true home away from home for so many. From our dedicated RSAs and caseworkers to the incredible team answering calls and supporting our clients every step of the way, it’s the compassion, teamwork, and belief in every individual’s potential that drives our mission forward. Thank you to everyone who supports Pacific House — your generosity and commitment make all the difference. Together, we’re not just providing shelter, we’re building futures.

March is Social Work Month! This year, we’re celebrating the theme: ???????????? ????????: ???????????????????? + ???????????? — a perfect reflection of the incredible work our team does every day at Pacific House. From guiding clients through crisis to helping them unlock the door to a safe, stable home, our social workers lead with empathy and take action to change lives. ?? All month long, we’ll be highlighting the compassionate change-makers behind the scenes, follow along to meet the team and see how they’re building brighter futures, one step at a time.

As temperatures plummet this winter, the danger for those without a home becomes life-threatening. The reality is even more alarming as Connecticut’s homeless population grows older. At Pacific House, this crisis is felt deeply, with over one third of the individuals we serve aged 55 and older, including several seniors over 65. ?? A Growing Crisis Connecticut is home to over 3,400 unhoused people, an increase for the third consecutive year. This includes men, women, and children, many of whom face insurmountable barriers to affordable housing in a region with one of the highest costs of living in the nation. For some, like Melvin Gordils, a single event can set off a financial spiral. “I was sleeping in my car, and Pacific House brought me in. They really gave me a second chance to get back on my feet,” Melvin shared. His story is one of resilience and hope, but it also underscores a troubling trend. ?? How You Can Help At Pacific House, we remain committed to providing safe shelter and permanent supportive housing for Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents. But we cannot do it alone. Your support can make a real difference for those in need this winter. Be a lifeline this winter: Visit pacifichouse.org to donate, join our Meal-A-Month program, or volunteer your time. Together, we can protect our most vulnerable neighbors. ??

Community spirit in action! Jessica Berger (left) and Toby Lazarus (right) join forces at the Stamford Jewish Community Center's MLK Day of Service. Together with other dedicated volunteers, they helped prepare 40 lasagnas for Pacific House and New Covenant Center, along with 175+ lunches for those in need. A wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors! The lasagnas will be served next Wednesday when Rebecca Isenstein and volunteers visit the shelter. Special thanks to Toby, who serves on the JCC Board of Directors and chairs their JCares program, for helping coordinate this meaningful initiative. Inspired by this community effort? Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on ways you can help serve our neighbors in need!

?? 5 Reasons Your Donation to Pacific House Changes Lives 1?? A Warm Meal: Your dollar ensures someone doesn’t go hungry tonight. ??? 2?? A Safe Shelter: You’re providing more than a roof—you’re giving someone a chance to rest and recover. ?? 3?? A Fresh Start: Donations fund programs that guide individuals toward independence. ?? 4?? Life Skills: Every dollar supports training, counseling, and job placement, empowering people to thrive. ??? 5?? A Better Future: Your generosity helps build lasting stability for individuals and our community. ?? ? Your impact is more than a meal or a roof, it’s a lifeline. Together, we can prevent and end homelessness, one donation at a time. Ready to make a difference?