State Sen. Carlo Leone, a Democrat representing Stamford and Darien, State Rep. Caroline Simmons, a Stamford Democrat, State Rep. Terry Adams, a Stamford Democrat, and State Rep. William Tong, a Stamford Democrat, joined forces with a representative from U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s office and Rodney Pratt from Stamford’s Board of Representatives. They worked with the Greenwich-based Hebrew Wizards organization on the 45-minute meal service.
The Hebrew Wizards organization prepared the Nov. 18 meal of salad, chicken francese, mixed vegetables potatoes, pasta and dessert. Each server rolled up their sleeves to deliver the nutritious meal to the homeless men and young adults, and then afterward, accompanied musician Lizzie Swan on guitar with a sing-along.
All of the legislators had an opportunity to speak to the men. The shelter houses and feeds up to 110 homeless men and young adults each evening, officials said.
“The shelter has done such a fabulous job of providing good meals, a path to recovery and assistance with helping you plan for your future," Tong said.
Murphy said in a statement, “Pacific House is a lifeline for men in Stamford and throughout Fairfield County who are looking to get back on their feet."
U.S. Rep Jim Himes could not attend the gathering, and instead came to serve a meal at the shelter last week. He served alongside members of the Church of Christ the Healer that evening, and afterward sat down and spoke with the men. Stamford Mayor Martin was scheduled to attend the Nov. 18 event, but needed to cancel due to a family emergency.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is held each year the week prior to Thanksgiving. Those wishing to make a donation to Pacific House shelter can visit the website for more details.
Pacific House, formerly named Shelter for the Homeless, is the only regional men’s emergency shelter, serving Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien and the rest of Fairfield County.
Since 1982 the organization has served 1 million meals, provided 800,000 bed-nights, secured housing for 1,500 people, and found employment for 3,000 clients.
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