The Beginning of ACT!

The purpose of Area Congregations Together, Inc.  is to help people to help themselves.

Recognizing that all persons need a helping hand from time to time, all agency activities are geared towards guiding the client towards a productive, self sufficient life style.  The agency will provide basic food and shelter to those in need in a Christian manner, without proselytizing, while encouraging the client to become self sufficient.

This Agency was founded in 1979 as an Ecumenical Outreach Ministry. The original ministries undertaken by the all volunteer group included the provision of transportation to the elderly for medical purposes and hot meals delivered to peoples homes when they were unable to cook for themselves.

    The first emergency shelter was opened in December of 1982 in the basement of the First Congregational Church in Ansonia. The accommodations were quite primitive with portable toilets and sinks used. In 1984 the shelter was moved to donated space in the railroad station in Derby. While fourteen people per night could be accommodated and there were suitable sanitary facilities, there still were no showers. Residents were allowed to go to the Valley YMCA to shower, and this facility was opened from 7:00 in the evening and closed at 7:00 in the morning. On March 1, 1988 the Spooner House was opened at the Old Hotchkiss Hose Fire House on Caroline Street in Derby. The Facility is now open 24 hours a day, seven days per week, 365 days per year.