The 'New' Homeless Shelter Weathers Storm And Offers Hope To Its Residents

When the power went out last Saturday, it was just another hardship for those at the homeless shelter in Norwalk had to deal with. But thanks to the generous donations of a few local companies, the future is looking a  little brighter for the residents of The Open Door Shelter on Merritt Street. The facility got a complete make-over recently, that's helped change the mood throughout the entire building.

"It's night and a day," said Frank Concepcion, manager of program operations. It even feels different for us, so you can imagine how the residents feels about it. Just walking into this place is a breath of fresh air. The morale has changed and people are a lot more positve."

Thanks to nearly $50,000 in donations from Diageo, (a liquor distributor in Norwalk), Morgan Stanley, and Benjamin Moore,  there are new floors, fresh paint on the walls, and a career center that allows residents to use computers to hunt for jobs.

"We didn't just change the physiogically aspect of the shelter," said Bill Kwuousa, executive director. "We've brought in some culture to give our residents hope. We have more a 'program' and it's not just a shelter anymore."

The shelter houses about 120 people and serves more than 500 meals a day. New residents now get psychological evaluations and treatment. They consult with workers to implement an exit strategy and perhaps, get steered towards the road that will lead them to a more desirable place.

"It's no longer a typical emergency shelter anymore where you get three meals a day and a bed," said Okuousa. "It's a transitional facility now. Our people will help you get out and move on to a better life. We try to give people hope and the skills to help them find a job."

After finshing with the restoration phase of the shelter, the Diageo company also gave the shelter a $10,000 check to use anyway they like. The administrators plan to use the money to upgrade the bathrooms, finishing off what has been the most significant face-lift the shelter has ever seen.

"I had to admit it," said Concepcion. "But it really was a depressing before. To see the smiles on the faces of the people, has made this all worth it." 

With the make-over nearly complete, the next task the adminstrators are focusing on are food supplies. They are down from last year and the shelter is seeking donations from area restaurants and companies to replenish the pantry fo the upcoming winter.