Charter Oak Communities

News & Events
Remolding broken bricks into gold - 04/25/12

By Christel Truglia

Charter Oak Communities (COC) is a progressive advocate and champion for innovative, creative partnerships that are redefining public-assisted housing communities in Stamford and across America. Through visionary leadership, innovative financing arrangements and comprehensive partnerships with local, state and Federal government and the private sector, COC is replacing the aged models of public housing with modern, attractive communities that are welcome additions to their residents, neighbors and neighborhoods.

In addition to amenities that may include shared community centers, computer labs, and on-site after-school programs, COC residences offer private entrances and parking, “green” construction, energy-efficient appliances and heating/cooling, quality landscaping, good lighting and other security considerations that enhance living for residents and for each neighborhood. COC also provides on-site case-management services through outside providers that help residents manage financial, personal and educational challenges.

Additionally, in collaboration with Optimus Health Care, Charter Oak Communities and Stamford Hospital are creating a Health and Wellness District on Stamford’s West Side. Called Vita, it already includes the new Fairgate Community Health Center; Fairgate Farm, a productive urban farm and learning center; and community outreach through Stamford Hospital’s Obesity-Prevention Program. This positive growth has relied on successful community involvement, good communication and strong partnerships with community organizations such as the West Side Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, ensuring that those residents and merchants often underrepresented in development planning and implementation have an active voice.

These efforts are being buttressed by a $1.1 million HUD grant to support the Vita initiative and West Side development. The funds will be used to recruit health-related retail neighborhood businesses; for mixed-use land acquisition; for developing transit and parking improvements; to step up blight removal; and to increase neighborhood participation in all of these activities.

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Christel Truglia served Stamford’s 145^th Assembly District from 1988 to 2008. She also is founder of The Thumbelina Fund, which provides gifts and grants for Stamford youth and families in need.

Interview with WSHU Radio - 12/09/11
Vincent Tufo was recently interviewed by WSHU Radio. Click here to listen to the interview.

Welcome
Charter Oak Communities – Come Share the Vision
Welcome to Charter Oak Communities (COC), formerly the Stamford Housing Authority, which provides attractive, affordable homes for thousands of Stamford residents comprising a wide range of demographics and needs. COC is a leading advocate and champion for innovative, creative partnerships that are redefining public-assisted housing communities in Connecticut and across America.

Through visionary leadership, innovative financing arrangements, astute human relations and comprehensive partnerships with local, state and Federal government and the private sector, COC is changing Stamford’s landscape – literally as well as figuratively – by replacing the aged models of public housing that often became a blight on cities with modern, attractive communities that are welcome additions to their residents, neighbors and neighborhoods.

See what we've accomplished - and the new communities we’re now building – by visiting About COC under the Our Roots tab.

It's almost planting time at Fairgate Farm

It seems like spring sprung early this year, which is good news for gardeners, farmers and for the many fans of Fairgate Farm, our community's urban agricultural center on Stamfordżs West Side. In addition to growing produce available to the local community, Fairgate Farm is an intergenerational education center providing hands-on learning opportunities. Farm staff and volunteers host community events, farm tours, field trips and community skill-share workshops, training volunteers and supporting community gardeners.

Fairgate Farm is an active participant and focal point of Vita, the newly created Health and Wellness District. Additionally, in collaboration with the Stamford Hospital Obesity-Prevention Task Force, Fairgate Farm will be a key resource for Stamford Hospitalżs Kids' Fitness and Nutrition Services (KIDS' FANS) ż a community wide collaborative program designed to promote smart eating, physical activity and a healthy weight among our children.

The Farm serves as an active, outdoor learning laboratory for the community. For more information on upcoming Farm events and activities, check out future news on our website and Facebook page, or call Bill Callion at 203.667.7280.