Closed for renovations, Amos House’s facility in Danbury for women, children gets spruce
DANBURY — Dawn Fawcett fields calls daily from women looking for a place to stay with their children.
“There is a big need for homes at the moment,” said Fawcett, the new housing manager for Amos House, an organization formed in 1986 by five churches that provides transitional housing for women and children.
But for now, she must direct them to the 2-1-1 hotline to connect them to housing services.
Amos House has been closed since last June due to a renovation project, and the upgrades have been hindered by a pipe burst in February that caused water damage. With a state grant only covering part of the work, the organization is in desperate need of donations to finish the project. COVID-19 has prevented the team from holding its annual fundraiser breakfast, a key donation-related event for the group, for the past two years, Fawcett said.
The nonprofit received some help on Thursday from volunteers with Keller Williams Realty, who painted the house and did other work around the facility as part of the company’s nationwide community service day.
About 25 to 30 volunteers were expected at Amos House, with others volunteering at Cornerstone Gardens in Ridgefield, the Carver Foundation in Norwalk and with the Stamford Land Conservation Trust, said April Furey, of Keller Williams.
She described Amos House as a “great nonprofit” for the way it supports single mothers and their children.
“It really is like that transition between living in a shelter and taking the next step to independent living,” Furey said. “Keller Williams is just really excited to be able to support them because they’re going through a big renovation, so I know they’re looking forward to reopening in the fall.”
Amos House received a $150,000 grant from the state Department of Housing to upgrade the home. But that doesn’t cover the full cost of the project, Fawcett said.
After the water damage, the organization decided to replace the flooring to make it more long-lasting and easier to clean, rather than replacing the carpet, she said. However, insurance doesn’t cover that. The smoke detectors, security system, and old computers and furniture must also be replaced.
The house already has a new roof and new windows. Critical heat pumps were replaced, and old trees were removed. The kitchen and laundry room are being upgraded.
Fawcett became the housing manager in March. A new executive director, Jennifer Seeley, is expected to start next month. The organization looks to hire another full-time staffer and a case manager.
Amos House is considering offering sponsorships for rooms, so that people could contribute a certain amount to fill the room with new furniture and earn a plaque on the door with their name. Fawcett urged community members to donate on the organization’s website.
More volunteers will be needed as the organization gets closer to its goal reopening in the fall to bring furniture inside the house, Fawcett said.
The facility has 25 rooms and can house up to five families, depending on the family dynamic.
Rather than a traditional shelter, Amos House provides clients with transitional housing and resources, such as job skills and counseling, they need to become independent.
“We give them the tools they need and training so that they can be on their own,” Fawcett said.
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