Hollander History
In the late 1970s, the UJA/Federation of Eastern Fairfield County (now known as Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County) did a needs assessment survey to learn the needs of the Jewish community of the greater Bridgeport area. Among the most pressing issues was affordable housing for the elderly. Thus was created a committee to study and build affordable apartments. As the committee proceeded, the members learned that the cost to build such a facility would be prohibitive.
Jewish Federation provided a loan. The Seymour Hollander Foundation also provided a start up loan. Longtime community activists formed the founding committee. A local law firm with deep ties to community service discovered the Section 8 program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. With financing from HUD, the building could be built! Because of federal funding, the site must be non‐sectarian and non‐denominational.
Federation sold its back softball field to the newly formed Greater Bridgeport Jewish Housing Corp. so that the building could be constructed. While there was a giant hole in the ground behind the playgrounds of the nursery school at the former Jewish Community Center (demolished in 2014), one of the teachers walked her nursery school class to the construction site where they buried a time capsule. Over the years, the nursery school at the JCC paid visits to enjoy Shabbat and many other intergenerational activities with Hollander residents.
Since completion of construction of the Hollander House in 1982, this faith based organization has owned, maintained and now self‐manages (since 2002) the 5 story building which houses nearly 100 elderly residents. Many of the residents are Jewish, among them a number of Russian immigrants. Events are always offered at the time of any Jewish holiday, and speakers come in to discuss holiday traditions. In 2008, in conjunction with the Greater Bridgeport Jewish Housing Corp. Board of Directors, Jewish Family Service conducted this site’s first ever model Seder. The model Seder is now an annual event run by Hollander staff, Board of Directors, and community volunteers. It is a spectacular interfaith success. These are the events that improve understanding among the residents. In 2009, the Men’s Club of Congregation Beth El built a sukkah. Residents and/or board members offer to host the open houses and all residents are invited to enjoy some cider and snacks throughout the holiday of Sukkot.
Activities are diverse and include those which are purely for fun as well as those which are wellness related or educational. A nurse volunteer comes monthly to take blood pressure and blood sugar readings and offers health consultations, all at no charge to the residents. The site also hosts a flu clinic annually. The multi-purpose Community Room offers a coffee station and is often busy with BINGO, card and board games, Tai Chi and armchair exercise classes, karaoke, music appreciation classes, craft projects, and Nintendo Wii interactive video games.
Extensively remodeled from 2012-2014, the Hollander House boasts fully renovated first floor common areas and community room, as well as entirely new kitchens, air conditioners, windows, and bathroom floors and toilets in all resident apartments. Staff continue to look for creative ways to offer more opportunities for residents to make friends and to experience a rich quality of life at the Hollander House.
Jewish Federation provided a loan. The Seymour Hollander Foundation also provided a start up loan. Longtime community activists formed the founding committee. A local law firm with deep ties to community service discovered the Section 8 program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. With financing from HUD, the building could be built! Because of federal funding, the site must be non‐sectarian and non‐denominational.
Federation sold its back softball field to the newly formed Greater Bridgeport Jewish Housing Corp. so that the building could be constructed. While there was a giant hole in the ground behind the playgrounds of the nursery school at the former Jewish Community Center (demolished in 2014), one of the teachers walked her nursery school class to the construction site where they buried a time capsule. Over the years, the nursery school at the JCC paid visits to enjoy Shabbat and many other intergenerational activities with Hollander residents.
Since completion of construction of the Hollander House in 1982, this faith based organization has owned, maintained and now self‐manages (since 2002) the 5 story building which houses nearly 100 elderly residents. Many of the residents are Jewish, among them a number of Russian immigrants. Events are always offered at the time of any Jewish holiday, and speakers come in to discuss holiday traditions. In 2008, in conjunction with the Greater Bridgeport Jewish Housing Corp. Board of Directors, Jewish Family Service conducted this site’s first ever model Seder. The model Seder is now an annual event run by Hollander staff, Board of Directors, and community volunteers. It is a spectacular interfaith success. These are the events that improve understanding among the residents. In 2009, the Men’s Club of Congregation Beth El built a sukkah. Residents and/or board members offer to host the open houses and all residents are invited to enjoy some cider and snacks throughout the holiday of Sukkot.
Activities are diverse and include those which are purely for fun as well as those which are wellness related or educational. A nurse volunteer comes monthly to take blood pressure and blood sugar readings and offers health consultations, all at no charge to the residents. The site also hosts a flu clinic annually. The multi-purpose Community Room offers a coffee station and is often busy with BINGO, card and board games, Tai Chi and armchair exercise classes, karaoke, music appreciation classes, craft projects, and Nintendo Wii interactive video games.
Extensively remodeled from 2012-2014, the Hollander House boasts fully renovated first floor common areas and community room, as well as entirely new kitchens, air conditioners, windows, and bathroom floors and toilets in all resident apartments. Staff continue to look for creative ways to offer more opportunities for residents to make friends and to experience a rich quality of life at the Hollander House.
"The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Connecticut law also prohibits discrimination in all of the above categories plus these categories: lawful source of income, marital status, sexual orientation, use of a guide dog, and age."
"We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin."
"We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin."
