HomeAid & Pasquinelli Homes helping to build home for disabled in Joliet
Thanks to the philanthropic efforts of HomeAid Chicago - the charitable arm of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago - Pasquinelli Homes LLC, dozens of trade partners and vendors who donated services and materials, what was once a wishful dream will soon take shape as a five-bedroom ranch that will be the future permanent home for five people with developmental disabilities.
Trinity Services Inc., a Joliet-based non-profit, nonsectarian organization founded in 1950 that's dedicated to helping the developmentally disabled, had long envisioned creating a permanent dwelling in its headquarter city for a handful of developmentally disabled individuals who use wheelchairs. But raising funds and securing the resources required for such a project was not going to be easy. Luckily, however, a member of the HomeAid Chiago board of directors was familiar with Trinity Services and recommended that its organization lend a hand.
The challenge was to recruit the donated services of a reputable home builder that could supervise the construction and oversee a quality finished product. We were thrilled when Pasquinelli Homes, one of Chicagoland's finest homebuilding firms, answered our request to be the volunteer builder captain. That gave us tremendous peace of mind that the project was in good hands.
Natalie Ashton, HomeAid's executive director
We're proud to be involed with such a worthy cause, Volunteering for this project also made a lot of practical sense, especially considering that we're currently building a residential development in Joliet not far from the future Trinity Services home. The close proximity of manpower and resources means that we can maximize efficiency and help build the best home possible for Trinity Services.
Anthony Pasquinelli, chicago Company Manger of Pasquinelli, Inc.
Pasquinelli's team are working closely with professionals at Bloom & Fiornio Architects (Oak Brook), Cowhey Gudmundson Leder (Itasca), Nova Fire Protection (Schaumburg) and ALCA Carpentry Contractors (Burr Ridge) - four other major companies that are donating their efforts on the project, which is budgeted at an estimated $360,000. In January, the crew raised the roof trusses on the Joliet Residence - located near I-80 and Ellen Avenue in unincorporated in Joliet - which is expected to be completed by the Spring. Additionally, more than 40 trade partners have volunteered their goods and services.
This will be a completely wheelchair accessible single-level ranch house spanning approximately 3,000 square feet and featuring five bedrooms - one for each resident - as well as two bathrooms," said Phil DeNapoli, director of purchasing for Pasquinelli Inc. "It will include a large kitchen, a spacious living and dining area, and a covered back porch.
DeNapoli noted that the home's floorplan was "specifically designed to accommodate its special-needs residents as well as the Trinity support staff that will be working there round-the-clock. Our goal is to avoid the "institutional" look of a typcial care faciliy, opting instead to give this residence a home-sweet-home warmth and charm and a resident centered functionality."
According to Sherry Ladislas, director of development for Trinity Services, Inc., a Trinity team leader will be assigned to oversee the home. Independent living counselors assigned on a 24-hour basis will provide in-home support and services, and a designated midnght staff will perform other duties around the home while its residents are asleep. Additional support will come from Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals (QMRPs) and other professionally trained disciplines such as psychologists and nurses.
What we are most looking forward to is seeing the faces of the people as they move into their new home - a home that meets their specific needs. It's gratifying to know that life will be easier for these five individuals and that they will truly be comforable living in their own residence.
Sherry Ladislas, director of development for Trinity Services, Inc.
Since its inception, HomeAid chicago has dedicated itself to providing shelters for the transitionally homeless: those individuals throughout Chicagoland who may be temporarily destitute and need a place to stay until they get back on their feet. With the creation of the Trinity Services home in Joliet, however, the organization has broadened its mission to build dignified long-term as well as short-term housing for the needy.
This is our first project building permanent supportive housing, which reflects a growing trend in social services nationwide. More federal dollars are going toward projects like these. So we've widened our focus from helping the transitionally homeless with temporarily assistance to also assisting individuals who need permanent shelter.
Natalie Ashton, HomeAid's executive director
Ashton added that HomeAid still seeks montery contrivutions to complete the Trinity Services home project and aid in the first year's maintenance for the house. To donate, get involved or learn more details about the project, contact Natalie Ashton at (630) 627-7575 x 221.