Emma Rittman pauses and takes a breath as she enters her new home March 20 at the Gloria Casarez Residences. Rittman was one of seven young people to move in that day, bringing the total number of residents to 21. Youth moving in are greeted with “Welcome home” from staff members and Project HOME representatives. An official grand-opening housewarming party is being planned for some time in mid-May. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Emma Rittman (left), and program manager Kate Gormley inspect the nooks and cranies of Rittman’s new home. Part of the entry process included the inspecion, safety protocols, house rules and responsIbilities. Each tenant received housewarming gifts of linens, hangers, ice cube trays, cookware and other everyday items courtesy of Project HOME. Flatscreen televisions for each of the 30 rooms were donated by Mel Heifitz, a long-time supporter of the project. The final nine residents are expected to move in by the end of the month as final touches are applied to the building. The grand-opening celebration will be held in mid-May. Photos: Scott A. Drake
MIKAL WOODS SITS IN ONE OF THE BUILDING’S COMMON AREAS. WOODS MOVED IN EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THE GLORIA CASAREZ RESIDENCES GROUNDBREAKING IN DECEMBER 2017