Operation Hope in Fairfield has reopened its community kitchen following emergency repairs.

Executive director Carla Miklos says the community kitchen had to halt its services amid the holidays because of a major water issue.

"We had to put in new cabinets, new counters, get rid of a lot things and start fresh," Miklos said. 

Although the community kitchen resumed serving lunch and dinner earlier this month, Miklos says Operation Hope has been looking to relocate to a more reliable facility. They're hoping to find a single building to house all of the nonprofit's services.

The homeless outreach program and community kitchen are currently located on Nichols Street between police and fire headquarters. 

The main offices and food pantry are both on Old Post Road across from Town Hall. 

"Our needs are bigger than the space," Miklos said. She added that "the property can't be renovated because it's in the historic district."

Miklos says Operation Hope has received around $1.5 million in state bonding to put toward securing a new spot.

"Which will be great seed money into the project," Miklos said. Still, she added that "the next step will be to raise the private dollars necessary to put us over."

Although Miklos says at least $2 million more is needed, she's hopeful.

"It's a community that really does like having the opportunity to serve others," Miklos said. "So I'm hoping that will translate into support when we need it." 

The community kitchen serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.