Jeff Wieser — longtime president and CEO of Homes with Hope — will retire from the multi-purpose housing organization by the end of 2019. Board chair John Walsh announced the news today.
Jeff Wieser
In his 9 years as director, Wieser has been a driving force for HwH. During his tenure he has overseen operations at the Gillespie Center and the Bacharach Community. He also expanded the portfolio of 44 supportive housing units, which the agency owns and operates.
Homes with Hope more than doubled its shelter capacity, providing beds for 115 people each night. And Wieser introduced an after-school mentoring program for the 30 children in HwH facilities.
In addition, Wieser led the merger with Project Return, the housing program for young women ages 18 to 24.
Wieser has helped Homes with Hope become a national role model, demonstrating how a suburban town can effectively respond to homelessness.
“Jeff has been a transformative, innovative leader” in the fight against homelessness, Walsh said.
“He is also a powerful advocate for the homeless beyond our community in his roles in Opening Doors of Fairfield County and as board chair of Supportive Housing Works, a regional collaborative whose mission is to end chronic homelessness in Fairfield County.”
Westporters of all ages volunteer at the Gillespie Center.
Westport 1st Selectman Jim Marpe called Homes with Hope “one of the community services that makes Westport so special.” He noted that under Wieser’s leadership, the organization has “expanded its affordable, supportive housing options, its relationships with other not-for-profit agencies and its overall community support.”
“As a local resident, Jeff saw the opportunity to leverage his business and professional experience with his passion for helping others, and has helped make Homes with Hope even better than he found it,” Marpe added. “On behalf of the town of Westport, I want to thank Jeff for his untiring service to our community and wish him well in the next chapter of his life.”
Wieser will stay in his position until a replacement is found. A search committee will focus on finding a local leader who understands both Westport and Fairfield County.
“Being involved with Homes with Hope over the last 30 years, first on the board and then as executive director, has been the most satisfying professional role of my life,” said Wieser.
“It is easy to be proud of the Homes with Hope organization, and it is easier to be proud of the community that supports HwH so spiritually and generously. I look forward to staying involved in any way that I can be useful to Homes with Hope and Westport.”
Wow, this is big. Jeff has been such a dynamic, innovative and tireless leader at Homes with Hope. His retirement is no doubt richly deserved but he will be leaving very big shoes to fill. Thank you, Jeff, for your amazing service and for helping so many souls in need!
Jeff’s leadership will be missed as he was a powerful advocate and executive. Congrats to him for great service.
Thanks for your valuable work serving on Homes With Hope, Jeff. ~ Kristan Hamlin
Jeff will be extremely hard to replace. We owe him tremendous thanks for all his hard work for disadvantaged residents of Westport!
I hope you will finally have time for your family and friends!
Ed Gerber
These are huge shoes to fill. Jeff, is a class act and once he retires, hopefully his golf game will improve.
Let me chime in to say that Jeff did an amazing job and will be so so hard to replace. Bravo buddy.
Enjoy whatever is next in your life.
Thank you for your wise, compationate and dynamic leadership and best wishes for the next chapter in your life.
Jeff you a great person with the biggest heart in town.
Thank you Jeff for your service and compassion.
Say it isn’t so…
Jeff is a mensch. Thank you for all of your efforts in repairing the world.
Well done, Jeff Well done. And…thank you!
So many people appreciate all that you have done.
Thank you for your service Jeff!
WOW! What a wonderful contribution you have and will continue to make at HWH and all the other great programs you were so instrumental in supporting! Most importantly, thank you for the contributions you make to Westport. You are a class act Mr. Wieser!
What an amazing job you have done Jeff! Standing Ovation! We are truly lucky and blessed to have a person like you representing all our common interests in Westport so selflessly!
Wow. Thanks for all the nice comments. If I had expected them, I would have made this decision earlier! You all really do show the incredible support the community gives to our unique organization. Thank you all for your help!
Congratulations Jeff! Your contribution to this community is amazing. You bring out the best in people. Now you can stay up late for RTM meetings and sleep in the next day. I know your grandchildren will find things for you to do. Enjoy!
Jeff is one of the good guys. Westport is a better place because of him.
Jeff leaves a positive impact on whatever he touches. Certainly did his share with HwH! Best to you Jeff in whatever is next!
Jeff is one of the hardest working biggest hearted guys in town. His outstanding work with Homes with Hope is known, but he does so much more for us all. All the best to you, Jeff. I hope your next phase is even better than you imagine it will be – and I hope you don’t even contemplate leaving the RTM!
I agree with al that has been said above. Jeff is a class act. He’s given so much to HwH, and Westport in general. And he does everything with outstanding wit! Hard shoes to fill. Enjoy the next chapter!!
Jeff – your leadership has been such an inspiration at HwH and the Westport community. Thank you for your wisdom, warmth and generosity. You will be missed.