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!)
