Housing stability plays a vital role in the strength and well-being of our communities. Fairfield County faces rising housing costs, limited availability, and long waitlists, creating challenges for residents at every stage of life.
Join us for a conversation about the current housing landscape in our region and what each of us can do to support a stable, inclusive community. We’ll discuss the local factors driving housing pressure, explore policy and community solutions, and share meaningful ways neighbors, advocates, and partners can get involved. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the issues and practical ideas for supporting housing stability in Fairfield County.
Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a leader in providing social services to our community and is proud to host this virtual conversation with:
Helen McAlinden
President & CEO
Homes with Hope
Since taking the helm in 2020, Helen has expanded Homes with Hope by 25 supportive housing apartments and transformed its focus to now serving over 80% prevention-based clients, compared to its previous near-exclusive focus on the chronically homeless.
Helen is a recognized leader in her field, having presented at top conferences including the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. She also co-chairs Opening Doors Fairfield County and its Advocacy Committee. Helen is a board member of the Westport Downtown Association and an active member of the Westport Rotary Club. She holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a BS in Leadership Management from Manhattan College.
Zabrina Román, MPA
Fair Housing Officer
City of Norwalk
Zabrina serves as the Fair Housing Officer for the City of Norwalk, where she investigates housing discrimination concerns, provides rights and responsibilities education to renters and housing providers, and partners with community organizations to expand access to safe, affordable housing. She has almost a decade of experience across fair housing, affordable housing programs, and community development, including previous roles in grants management, and tenant education.
Zabrina trains property managers and community groups on compliance and reasonable accommodations, often focusing on removing barriers for at-risk populations. She’s pursuing an EdD in community engagement and equity in education, work that reflects her commitment to inclusion.
Alexandra Sollazzo, LMSW
Program Director, Supportive Housing
Family & Children’s Agency
Alexandra is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over a decade of experience in supportive housing, clinical counseling, and family services. In her current role, Alexandra leads a multidisciplinary team of case managers, social workers, and interns ensuring the well-being and basic needs of clients in the community. Alex’s therapeutic work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes client-centered care and long-term wellness.
Alexandra’s experience expands into providing intensive in-home support to foster/kinship and pre-adoptive families, with a focus addressing intergenerational trauma. A graduate of Fordham University with a Master’s in Social Work, she holds a B.S. in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University. She is certified in SIFI supervision, a certified parent education instructor, and serves as The City of Norwalk Fair Housing Commissioner.
Moderated by
Robert F. Cashel, LCSW
President & CEO
Family & Children’s Agency
For 20 years, Rob has been President & CEO of FCA, where he is responsible for the multi-service human service organization with more than 200 staff. Rob has developed key partnerships in the community while also establishing formal relationships with numerous private and corporate foundations.
Rob, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is currently on the Board and Executive Committee of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies (CCFSA) and is also on the Board of Norwalk ACTS.
Rob has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. He is also a certified marriage and family therapist and a certified alcoholism counselor.
