Renewal House

Renewal House provides shelter in a home-like environment with shared responsibilities, food for three meals per day, counseling, support, and other rehabilitative services, such as daily living and socialization skills to the residents. The residents, which come to the program through a variety of locally based sources (such as social service agencies, shelters, hospitals, rehabilitation programs and soup kitchens), are 58 years and older and must commit to the program and work toward personal change.

Residents work with a case manager to develop a personal plan that is meaningful for each of them, and learn how to take the small steps that will lead them to success. They are encouraged to look back at the issues that led to becoming homeless and work with staff on developing individualized plans and goals to address these issues in a supportive and safe environment.

Renewal House's annual budget is now $181,500, all of which comes through grants, fundraising and donations.

The goal of renewal house is to reduce homelessness of older individuals in Greater Danbury Area, CT, by providing safe, secure housing, renewing a sense of hope, reinforcing self-worth and restoring dignity and confidence.

Renewal House, which can house up to 6 people at a time, have served 67 individuals and had over 300 referrals. The average stay at Renewal House is 11 months. Follow-up services are provided for 18 months after residents move into permanent housing. Ninety-six percent of graduates are able to avoid another period of homelessness.