Addressing Current Economic Needs

Near & Far Aid used the 2009 Designer House Tour in a way that is directly responsive to the needs of many in Connecticut who find themselves struggling in the current economic crisis. All net proceeds from the sale of tickets to the House Tour were distributed to agencies in Fairfield Country that provide housing support and related family needs. The annual tour of several outstanding homes in Fairfield County took place Friday, May 1.

“In these times, we feel it was meaningful for visitors to know that by purchasing a ticket to view these spectacular homes, they also be helped to provide housing support for a family in our community,” said Katia Mead, co chair of the 2009 House Tour Committee.

Joan Panagos, the co chair, expressed gratitude “to the owners of the homes on view this year and to the designers who contributed their talent. Everyone has been so gracious and generous with their time and space.”

Near & Far Aid designated ten agencies as those who received grants specifically from the Designer House Tour. Habitat for Humanity, Person to Person and Operation Hope are representative of the designees who benefited from this year’s house tour. Each agency has witnessed an increase in need in those accessing its services. Ceci Maher of Person to Person and Carla Miklos, Executive Director, of Operation Hope of Fairfield, said that they had noted a growing need among many people from all demographics, including people who never thought they would be in a position of need.

“In particular,’ Ms. Maher said “Person to Person has been providing money and food to people who are desperately trying to stretch their budgets. Our main objective is keeping people in their homes, so we are helping with security deposits, rents and utilities. In the first six weeks of 2009 we saw an increase of more than five hundred.”

Ms. Miklos said that Operation Hope has already increased its outreach programs, speaking at even more churches, schools and community centers,” letting people know that we are here, that they are not alone. A lot of people just don’t know how to ask, or where to go to get what they need. We are also respectful of people’s dignity. One of the ways we do that is to have the entrance to our food pantry sheltered from the road”

“It was information like this,” said Patsy Devine, Vice President of Near & Far Aid’s Board of Directors, “that made our decision seem so natural. The right thing to do.“

The theme of the 2009 Designer House Tour was “Celebration by Design” and featured the work of such noted designers as New York’s Eric Cohler, Mar Silver, Margaret Bondy and Lisa Hildebrand.