David Michel

Stamford is getting $2,450,000 in state funding via the Community Investment Fund 2030 to build 39 new affordable housing units, which will be part of the Pacific House on Stillwater Avenue. The organization is reminding us that we desperately need these state dollars not only to provide a roof over the head of homeless individuals, but also to give them a proper meal.
 
The following is a message from the Pacific House:

Proper nutrition is critical for everyone, especially homeless individuals who are more susceptible to illness and disease due to poor living conditions and limited access to medical care. In addition, a lack of nutritious food can lead to malnourishment, weakened immune systems, and various health problems.
 
Homeless individuals also have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Proper nutrition is essential to manage these conditions and prevent their progression. A healthy diet can also help to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

1. Limited Access to Kitchen Facilities
Homeless people have little to no access to kitchen facilities, making it a challenge to prepare meals from scratch. This can lead to a reliance on cheap, processed foods high in unhealthy fats and sugar which zaps energy and causes health ailments.
 
2. Financial Constraints
Homeless people typically have limited funds and rely on food banks, shelters, and other resources for their meals. These resources often provide non-perishable foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients.
 
3. Limited Food Availability
In many urban areas, homeless people must rely on convenience stores and fast food chains for their meals. These options are high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
 
4. Lack of Transportation
Homeless people may not have access to transportation, making it difficult to travel to grocery stores, farmer's markets, or other sources of fresh and nutritious food.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT PACIFIC HOUSE

Here is how you can help address the food and nutrition needs of the homeless:

•  Provide Access to Kitchen Facilities

Homeless shelters and other facilities can offer access to kitchen facilities for homeless individuals to prepare meals from scratch. This can help to promote a healthier diet and build food skills.

• Expand Resources for Fresh Food

Communities can support programs that provide fresh and healthy food to homeless individuals, such as community gardens or food rescue programs.

• Partner with Local Businesses

Local businesses like restaurants and grocery stores can partner with homeless shelters and other organizations to provide food donations or discounts.

•  Promote Nutritional Education

Nutritional education programs can help homeless individuals make informed diet decisions and improve their food skills.

•  Join our Meal-a-Month Program

Pacific House provides breakfast and dinner for about 60 to 80 men daily, rising to about 90 to 110 individuals during the winter months. The cost of this service is almost $250,000 annually.

To help the shelter offset what would be an approximate $250,000 cost, churches, businesses, community organizations, and families from all over Lower Fairfield County volunteer one day each month to prepare and serve dinner at the shelter.
 
We are grateful for our community partners, such as Food Rescue, which has supported Pacific House shelter for many years. At the onset of the pandemic, Food Rescue helped our agency with individualized meals for our guests who relocated to two hotels for social distancing measures. They continue to this day supporting us with meals. In addition, Food Rescue and its outreach volunteers work with local schools, businesses, and agencies, making meaningful food connections.
 
Due to their integrity, influence, and trust in our community, Pacific House receives thousands of meal contributions to help with our shelter food insecurity.