Maidstone Open House Was a Great Success!

HOPE celebrates the completion of a third affordable home in Norwalk.

These Open House events not only commemorate project completions, but, more importantly, they acknowledge the beginning of a new life chapter for each resident who moves into one of these homes.  Having a home is a personal victory for them; a challenge overcome, a stepping stone from which each of them can now begin to envision the next goal that might include employment, broader social relationships, and a real sense of integration into their community.

On Wednesday, April 22nd, HOPE (Home Ownership for Personal Empowerment) gathered with City of Norwalk Housing officials, commercial lenders, representatives from Harbor Regional Center and friends to celebrate the renovation completion of their third low and moderate income rental home in Norwalk.  This property on Maidstone Avenue, like the two before it, is reserved specifically for people who have a developmental disability.

A large portion of the acquisition funds for the home were provided by the City of Norwalk.  Said Kristin Maithonis, Norwalk Housing Manager, “These are funds that come from HUD and we work with non-profit housing developers to put the funds to work in the community.  We love working with HOPE.  They always finish their projects on time and within budget.” 

The rest of the home’s purchase was made possible by generous HOPE donors.  The renovations for the home were provided by a grant from the Ahmanson Foundation.

From left: Board Member Phil Appleby, Norwalk Housing Manager Kristin Maithonis, and HOPE Executive Director Kristin Martin cut the ceremonial ribbon to welcome  the completion of a new home.

Over 30 guests watched on Wednesday as Norwalk Housing Manager Maithonis, HOPE volunteer and former board member Phil Appleby and HOPE Executive Director Kristin Martin cut the ribbon, signaling final sign off on the job.  Mr. Martin thanked the team at HOPE for their dedication and expressed particular thanks to the City of Norwalk.   “Without you,“ he said, “this project, this new home, would not have been possible.  Our thanks to you and our good friends at the Harbor Regional Center for so embracing our mission.”

See what furnishings the new tenants need for their new place!