A ribbon cutting this morning celebrated a new home for some of EHCA’s residents. The organization officially opened its Medical Community Home on Cascade Street after years of planning and fundraising.
After nearly a decade of planning, fundraising, and construction, Erie Homes for Children and Adults’ newest community home is officially open.
The home on Cascade Street is built for six residents with complex medical needs. Staff say it gives them access to 24-hour nursing care while still providing the comforts of home.
But as leaders showed off the space Thursday morning, they wanted people to see more than the medical side of the home.
“People with disabilities are just like you, and they really want to make choices in their daily routine. They have opportunities that people like us take for granted, and communities like this are very, very important. We’ve seen that the communities we build are very welcoming of the folks we serve, and that helps them,” Jonathan Rilling, the Chief Executive Officer for Erie Homes for Children and Adults, said.
Residents moved in earlier this year. The house is equipped to support people who rely on breathing tubes, feeding tubes, and other specialized medical care.
Inside, residents have personalized bedrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and outdoor patio space to enjoy with family and friends.
The project began back in 2017 as part of EHCA’s capital campaign. Now, years later, leaders say they’re proud to finally open the doors.
Leaders say creating that sense of independence was a major goal throughout the project.
And now that residents have settled in, they say it’s rewarding to see the home being used exactly as it was intended. EHCA leaders say they’re excited to finally share the completed project.
They say the home reflects years of community support and commitment.