In 1998, five individuals with a vision to create a safe and nurturing home for pregnant women experiencing homelessness came together to form Malta House—an expression of our founding belief that every person is created in the image of God and therefore worthy of dignity, protection, and hope. Twenty-five years later, in November 2025, we held a gratitude-filled milestone 90^th birthday celebration for one of the founders, Hope Carter.

The rejoicing and remembrances, held in the Malta House community room, immediately followed Adoration, which is held weekly in our chapel (Wed. 11–12 noon). The timing was especially significant because when Malta House moved from its original location to our “new” West Rocks Road home in 2021, Hope was responsible for the chapel’s design and details that evoke our foundation and mission—faith made visible through a home that honors life, strengthens families, and upholds the common good.

When the idea came for the surprise celebration, Anne Celeste O’Rourke, fellow Malta House co-founder, suggested that a chapel filled with family and friends would be a perfect gift for Hope’s birthday. In that moment, our community reflected a core principle: we are not meant to face hardship alone—solidarity is love in action.

Tireless Faith

Stained-glass windows depicting the Blessed Mother are among the chapel’s many meaningful features that Hope conceived. As you approach and enter through the glass doors (Hope’s design), the altar and tabernacle come immediately into view—an unmistakable sign of God’s abiding presence and blessing for all who enter, especially the mothers and babies entrusted to our care at Malta House.

The chapel is also an outward sign of the universal call to accompany those on the margins and to place particular care around those who are most vulnerable.

“When I give tours of Malta House, I have to say that many people are moved to tears in the chapel,” said Interim Executive Director Pamela Shilling. “It is so beautiful, and people feel the sacredness of the space.” That sacredness speaks to the heart of our mission: to meet mothers in crisis with compassion and practical support, affirm their God-given dignity, and walk with them on a path toward stability and independence.

Explaining how Malta House went from concept to reality, Malta House cofounder and board chair Michael O’Rourke recalled the significant role that Hope had in gaining Bishop Edward Michael Egan’s (Diocese of Bridgeport) support for the program.

“We were talking about women in pregnancy crisis situations, and the need for a home,” Michael explained. “The person Bishop Egan trusted was Hope.” In championing that need, Hope helped advance a simple but powerful truth: society is judged by how it treats those who are poor and vulnerable, and a safe home is a cornerstone of human dignity.

“Even while navigating Malta House through the myriad of paperwork, inspections and approvals, Hope was helping those in need in the community,” noted Malta House cofounder Chris Bell. Hope lived the Gospel call to service and reminded us that love is not merely sentiment, but commitment.

“You were determined, and you kept it going, but you also do so many other things for people all over the diocese,” Chris said about Hope. “We’re blessed, Malta House is blessed, and I can never thank God enough for having met you and Michael and to work with you.”

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Malta House, Inc. is a recognized Catholic organization that operates in the Diocese of Bridgeport. As such, Malta House’s policies and practices are consistent with the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.

Guiding Values: Faith • Dignity • Compassion • Empowerment • Life-affirming care

Mission: Malta House promotes the dignity of God-given life by providing a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their children.

Malta House, Inc. is a tax exempt, 501(c)3, organization. Tax ID# 06-1604710.