Today’s Unsung Hero is one of those I-can’t-believe-she-hasn’t-been-recognized-before honorees.
Helen McAlinden — president and CEO of Homes with Hope, Westport’s non-profit working to end homelessness and food insecurity — nominates her colleague Paris Looney.
Paris is well known, and much admired, by the hundreds of Westporters who have been served by, volunteer at or otherwise know Homes with Hope. Helen writes:
As we celebrate Paris Looney’s 20th anniversary with Homes with Hope, we also celebrate her incredible achievements and unwavering dedication to helping those in need.
Paris is an exceptional vice president and chief operating officer, because she has worked in nearly every role within Homes with Hope’s wide continuum of services.
Paris Looney (back row, center) with Homes with Hope colleagues …
No one understands the challenges of each job better than someone who has done them all. This unique perspective allows her to empathize with the workers who perform these tasks daily, and understand the diverse needs of the clients we serve.
Paris’ journey with Homes with Hope began as a case manager at the Gillespie Center (our emergency shelter for men and women). Over the past 2 decades she has worked tirelessly on behalf of homeless individuals and families, rising through the ranks to become vice president and COO.
Throughout her tenure Paris has made an immeasurable impact on countless individuals and families, always greeting them with warmth, respect, and a deep commitment to their well-being.
She approaches each person with empathy, no matter the challenges or barriers they may present. Her caring nature helps disarm those who are hesitant to engage, and her dedication to creating positive change has transformed many lives.
She coaches, supervises, and leads the staff and clients with patience and tolerance, setting clear boundaries and holding people accountable.
… and (near the left in rear, holding flowers) at a celebration marking her 20th anniversary at Homes with Hope, earlier this month at Christ & Holy Trinity Church.
One of the most important lessons Paris teaches is how to meet clients’ needs without simply solving their problems for them. Instead, she focuses on building skills and connecting clients with the resources they need to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Through her guidance and leadership, she has helped both clients and staff move forward with confidence and dignity.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the “06880” Unsung Hero award than Paris Looney. She is a true role model, and her influence has touched many lives.
As president and CEO of Homes with Hope, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Paris. I know that her impact on Connecticut’s homeless population will continue to inspire others for years to come.
She is a true gem to Homes with Hope’s work, ensuring that the people we serve with food and housing insecurity are treated with dignity and respect. We love you, Paris. People like you are one in a million!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
She is the most wonderful person you ever want meet she does a lot hard work for homes for hope thanks Paris for your hard work for the Town of Westport and the residents
There are people you meet for the first time that exude an aura, they have a glow about them. You can never forget them. Helen is one of those special people.
Paris (and Helen)
Paris is an extraordinary human being!!
Paris is The Best. She is dedicated to Homes with Hope and her clients and is deserving of this huge “Thank You” from all of Westport!
For twenty years Paris has made life a little better for everyone who has walked through the doors at the Gillespie Center. Thank you Paris.
Paris, thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for
everyone who walks through the doors of the Gillespie Center.
There is a fascinating story of a former Boston Globe reporter who is homeless in this month’s “ESQUIRE.” He is has a bi-polar dysfunctional disorder and lives in his car in Rhode Island. He receives 960$ a month of which half goes for his medicine. Thank the Lord for places like Homes for Hope because, seemingly, when 90% of the wealth of this country is owned by 10% of the population, the money does not trickle down!
Scooter, You’re not patient enough. I got a slight “trickle down “ the other day from the Reagan years! Some water trickled down into our condo when it rained the other night! I’m sure the money is coming!
Congratulations Paris on this well deserved recognition! I’ve know you to be a very caring, compassionate and dedicated person to your cause to help others in need while improving and enriching their lives in ways that make a positive difference. Cheers to your 20 years with Homes with Hope and may you enjoy many more years with such a special and important community outreach organization!
Congratulations, Paris, on this well-deserved honor and for your 20 year anniversary at Homes with Hope! We are so fortunate to have you in our community and in our Sunrise Rotary Club! As Helen says, we love you, Paris!
Well deserved. Congratulations Paris !!!
And I have to add that after 30 or so years being involved with HWH, the entire staff are wonderful.
Peter Jennings
I had the pleasure of working with (and for) Paris for almost 20 years! Her caring and compassionate nature were always an inspiration to me! I feel lucky to call her a mentor, role model and friend. This recognition is very well deserved!