Pacific House

Pacific House is a nonprofit organization based in Stamford, Connecticut, dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Lower Fairfield County. Its mission is to provide emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and life-changing services to men, women, young adults, and families with children in need. The organization traces its origins to 1982, when a makeshift emergency shelter opened in the basement of the First Congregational Church in Stamford. Co-founders Leslie Furst, Maureen Hughes, Pat Phillips, Nancy Stoetzer, and Reverend Gary P. Brown helped shape what is today the Pacific House Emergency Shelter. In July 1985, a Board of Directors was formed, and the shelter became an independent nonprofit service agency under the name Shelter for the Homeless. In 1988, over $2 million was raised to purchase and renovate the building at 597 Pacific Street, and in 1990, Pacific House opened its doors at that location. Over the decades, Pacific House has expanded its services to include outreach, diversion, emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, young adult services, and a Meal-a-Month program. It has developed 15 homes and provided over 2 million meals, 950,000 nights of shelter, sheltered more than 6,000 people, and rehoused over 3,000 people. The organization envisions a community where everyone has a safe place to call home, and it pursues this vision through housing development, supportive services, and strong partnerships. Pacific House remains a vital safety net for the most vulnerable residents of Fairfield County, continuing to adapt and grow to meet the evolving needs of those experiencing homelessness.

Pacific House began in 1982 as a makeshift emergency shelter in the basement of the First Congregational Church in Stamford, Connecticut. The shelter was founded by Leslie Furst, Maureen Hughes, Pat Phillips, Nancy Stoetzer, and Reverend Gary P. Brown, who sought to address the growing issue of homelessness in the greater Stamford area. From 1983 to 1989, under the sponsorship of The Council of Churches and Synagogues, the basement shelter served 60 people per night. In July 1985, a Board of Directors was formed, and the organization became an independent nonprofit service agency named Shelter for the Homeless. It began offering overnight emergency shelter, showers, and limited case management services. In 1988, over $2 million was raised to purchase and renovate a building at 597 Pacific Street. In 1990, Pacific House opened its doors at that location. In 1995, an onsite health care program was launched, and a recovery program began the following year. The first Pacific House-supported home, named "Berkley House," was acquired in 1996 and opened in 1999. In the 2000s, a second property was purchased in 2004 and opened in 2008 as "Beacon I." The first gala event was held in 2005 to benefit Pacific House and recognize donors. The Meal-a-Month program launched in 2008. In 2012, the Beacon II property was developed. Over the decades, Pacific House has expanded its services to include outreach, diversion, emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, young adult services, and meal programs. It has developed 15 homes and provided over 2 million meals, 950,000 nights of shelter, sheltered more than 6,000 people, and rehoused over 3,000 people. The organization continues to evolve to meet the needs of the homeless population in Fairfield County.

• 2012

  "Beacon II" property developed.

• 2008

  "Beacon I" opens; Meal-a-Month program launches.

• 2005

  First gala event held to benefit Pacific House.

• 2004

  Second Pacific House property purchased.

• 1999

  "Berkley House" opens.

• 1996

  First Pacific House-supported home, "Berkley House," acquired.

• 1995

  Onsite health care program launched.

• 1990

  Pacific House opens its doors at 597 Pacific Street.

• 1988

  Over $2 million raised to purchase and renovate the building at 597 Pacific Street.

• 1985

  Board of Directors formed; Shelter for the Homeless becomes an independent nonprofit service agency.

• 1982

  Emergency shelter opens in the basement of the First Congregational Church in Stamford.

A community-based nonprofit safety net providing housing and support services to end homelessness in Lower Fairfield County.

1. 1Home - Pacific House in Connecticutpacifichouse.org
2. 2Our History - Pacific House in Connecticutpacifichouse.org
3. 3Mission - Pacific House in Connecticutpacifichouse.org
4. 4Outreach Services - Pacific House in Connecticutpacifichouse.org
5. 5Pacific Housewikidata.org
6. 6太平洋屋 (加利福尼亞州)zh.wikipedia.org