Former “Poor House” Enriches Lives

Westport’s “poorhouse” has a rich history.

In 1864, Charles Kemper — the tanner whose barn later became the Westport Country Playhouse — moved his home from that site to 124 Compo Road North.

The town bought the property in 1901. According to former Westport Historical Society house historian Bob Weingarten, officials were spending more money for “indigents” by renting space in individual homes than if the town owned a house for their use.

Buying the home — and an 11-acre farm — for $2,750 as an “almshouse” would save at least $1,000 a year.

“Town Poorhouse,” circled on a 1911 map. Compo Road North was known then as East Main Street.

It remained a “poorhouse” with 5 paupers (also called “inmates”) until 1957, when it was rented out to other residents. Officials then considered it for the site of a Highway Department garage. Instead, in 1974 the “Town Farm” tennis courts were built nearby.

It was eventually abandoned. Infested with racoons, squirrels and mice, it was slated for demolition.

But assistant superintendent of schools for special education Kate McGraw and Department of Human Services director Barbara Butler had a vision. With help from grants writer Barbara Heatley, architect Ed Campbell and carpenter Ed Canning, the dream became a reality

In the mid-1980s the house was renovated into Project Return, a home for Westport girls whose parents could not keep them at home. Susie Basler ran the program for 30 years.

When she retired in 2016, the one-time “poorhouse” got a new name: Susie’s House.

A photo of Susie Basler has a place of honor, near the front door.

That year, the state eliminated funding for group homes. Homes with Hope — which already ran Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry — took over the program, under then-CEO Jeff Wieser.

During COVID, girls were placed in hotels. The house once again sat empty.

Early next month — following extensive renovations — the former “poorhouse,” now Project Return/Susie’s House, begins a new chapter.

Six young women, ages 18 to 26, will move in. All are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.

One of 6 private bedrooms, at Susie’s House …

Each will have her own room, bathroom and small refrigerator. There’s a handsome living room, modern kitchen, washer/dryer, basement with computers and games and a reading nook, and offices where Homes with Hope staffers can help the young women find jobs, meet with mentors, and transition to their own housing.

A porch in back overlooks the Town Farm tennis courts and Little League fields.

… and the kitchen, with washer/dryer in the rear.

For some of the women, this will be the first stable housing of their lives.

The program will focus on education and employment. Young women will leave the home knowing how to earn income, and move onto self-sufficiency in their own apartments.

The house will have 24-hour support. It will be managed by a seasoned social worker, who will guide the women along their path.

The other day, Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden, COO Paris Looney, director of marketing Katharine Murray, social worker Carmen Ayala and board co-chair Becky Martin showed off the bright, airy space.

Carmen Ayala and Paris Looney.

Paint was fresh. Bedrooms were newly furnished. The living room had just been outfitted, with donations from GL Design, Serena & Lily, Knock on Wood Antiques and Redi-Cut Carpet & Rugs.

Before the first residents moved in, Homes with Hope was preparing to show off the space. Neighbors and former Project Return volunteers visited on Saturday.

Longtime supporters, Homes with Hope staff and volunteers, and neighbors visited on Saturday. Susie Basler (center, with flowers) was among the delighted guests. (Contributed photo)

This Wednesday (March 26), Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs get tours. On Thursday (March 27), Project Return/Susie’s House welcomes town officials, and Homes with Hope’s builders.

The 6 women who will move in soon include 2 from Westport, now being assisted by our Department of Human Services. Some of the new residents are in college; some are working.

None have parental support. They live in shelters, or are couch surfing.

Each will have a 1-year lease. Those who are working will pay 30% of their salary for rent.

Food will come from the Homes with Hope pantry, and donations from groups like the Rotary Clubs.

Susie’s House, Compo Road North: ready for a new chapter. 

In addition to staff, they’ll benefit from community support. Volunteers will offer cooking lessons, writing workshops and more. M&T Bank branch manager Matt Cummings will teach financial literacy. Artists Miggs Burroughs and Nina Bentley will volunter their talents too.

Funding for the renovations came from the Connecticut Department of Housing. Town officials have been “outstanding” in providing help with the process, McAlinden says.

Susie’s House is deed-restricted. For the next 40 years, it is mandated to serve populations in need, like this one.

The porch looks out on Little League fields — and beyond, the “Town Farm” tennis courts. (All photos/Dan Woog)

Homes with Hope CEO McAlinden says, “These young women have been through a lot. They’ve had trauma. This is their home now, and their hope for the future.”

The town’s former “poorhouse” has left a rich legacy indeed.

(A large part of Homes with Hope’s funding comes from community members. Click here to learn more, and donate. The annual “Gather ‘Round the Table” luncheon at Shorehaven Golf Club on May 14 is a fundraiser for Project Return/Susie’s House. Click here for more information. To learn more about Susie’s House, or arrange a personal tour, call Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden: 475-225-5292.)

Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden and board co-chair Becky Martin, in the brightly furnished living room.