Connecticut Attorney General Brought Cookies, Toured Gillespie Center Wednesday
L-R First Selectman Jim Marpe, Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg inside the Gillespie Center today discussing its functions during the COVID-19 crisis.
Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong (D) brought a donation of food and toured the Homes with Hope Gillespie Center at 45 Jesup Road yesterday. The Attorney General was joined by First Selectman Jim Marpe, Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden, Connecticut State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D, 136th District), along with other Homes with Hope staff members. The group discussed the changes made to the emergency shelter due to COVID-19, and toured the center’s dormitories, kitchen, social room, and food pantry.
Ryan Soto, Gillespie Center Programs Director, described a decline in bed capacity from 21 beds to 12 beds due to COVID-19 spacing regulations and the addition of in-house COVID-19 testing done biweekly for guests. The local non-profit was excited to share their gratitude for the support of the community and Town through the pandemic, including meal donations from local restaurants and non-perishable food donations for the second floor food bank.
The Gillespie center offers meals, beds, laundry, and shower facilities for individuals in need. Homes with Hope also assists with social services such as occupational assistance and basic health needs, in addition to mentoring programs for those in crisis.
The Gillespie Center Food Pantry, located on the second floor of the 45 Jesup Road building.