Press Releases

April 10, 2006

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region Builds With Harford Habitat For Humanity


[ABERDEEN, MD] - Volunteers from The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region and Harford Habitat for Humanity will kick off a project, The Arc Project, on Saturday, April 1, 2006.   The partnership between The Arc and Harford Habitat for Humanity will result in the renovation of a home in Aberdeen, Maryland for two people who receive services from The Arc and need significant modifications to their existing home in order for it to be more accessible and meet their daily needs. 

On the first day of construction volunteers will begin demolition on the rear addition to the home to allow for a larger living space and will remove the existing shingles to prepare for a new roof.  Phase Two will consist of enlarging the kitchen and bathroom areas as well as the installation of a walk-in shower.  The volunteers and construction crew are expected to complete the house in four consecutive weeks beginning April 1.

The renovation of the Aberdeen home is part of a new initiative to enhance homes owned by The Arc and to create more accessible housing for the people they support. Similar to the community at large, The Arc has an increasing number of people with age related mobility issues that need accommodations to allow them to age in place. Torri Dietrich, Director of Development for The Arc adds, "This project is a wonderful example of how non-profit organizations can join forces to complement each other's mission to enhance the lives of people in our community!  It is a win-win opportunity for both The Arc and Harford Habitat for Humanity.  Joann Blewett, Executive Director for Harford Habitat for Humanity adds, "In addition to providing home ownership opportunities to families in need, our mission is to eliminate substandard housing in our community.  Through this project, we are doing just that and we are delighted to be collaborating in this way with The Arc.  Additional supporters of The Arc Project include Battelle and Aberdeen Rotary.

If you are interested in volunteering for The Arc Project, please contact Michaelann Meehan at Harford Habitat for Humanity at 410-638-4434.  Harford Habitat for Humanity, Inc. (HHH) is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry located in Harford County, Maryland. HHH was chartered by Habitat for Humanity International in 1994 and is one of more than 2000 affiliates (community group) worldwide. It is the vision of this chartered affiliate that "by the end of 2010", Harford Habitat for Humanity, Inc. will be recognized as a driving force in eliminating substandard housing in Maryland by creating decent, affordable housing with 100 partner families."

The Arc offers a wide variety of services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Harford and Cecil County, both children and adults, to make informed choices in their lifestyles, vocations, education and recreational pursuits, and to assure stable and nurturing lives among their families and friends.