HomeAid Inland Empire's Dedication of Vernonica's Home of Mercy II
Community United to Celebrate Dedication of Veronica’s Home of Mercy II SAN BERNARDINO, CA (December 14, 2009) --- On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, more than 300 people gathered at the newly completed Veronica’s Home of Mercy II in San Bernardino for a celebratory ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. Bishop Gerald R. Barnes conducted the blessing of the 80-bed, 15,000 square foot facility that will provide a safe and dignified shelter for homeless women and children. Father Michael Barry, President/Chairman of the Board and Founder of Mary’s Mercy Center shared with the audience of legislators, community leaders, volunteers and supporters that Veronica’s Home of Mercy II will stand in the community as a sign for those in need and a sign for those who care. More than 60 companies, donors and community leaders joined with HomeAid Inland Empire and builder captain Crestwood Communities to donate funds, resources or services to give women in desperate need a healthy alternative to substance abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. Women and their children will soon move into a fully furnished facility equipped with a professional kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, computer lab, chapel, meeting rooms in addition to 20 apartments. San Bernardino Mayor, Patrick Morris, commended the collaborate efforts of everyone and expressed Veronica’s Home of Mercy is now a major asset to the city. Legislators joined in the accolades: Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, County Supervisors; Josie Gonzales, Neil Derry and Gary Ovitt; and representatives from the offices of Congressman Joe Baca, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Senators Gloria Negrete McLeod and Robert Dutton; and Assemblymember Bill Emmerson presented certificates of appreciation. Debra Olguin, Director of Veronica’s Home of Mercy, shared her heartfelt gratitude, “If all the women and children were here today, they would say thank you. They come to us wounded and with stories you can’t imagine to be true, but they are. Here in their new home these women will learn to be better parents, functional adults and gain the ability to live independently in the community.” Terry Kent, vice president of construction for Crestwood Communities, and a member of the board of directors for Mary’s Mercy Center and HomeAid Inland Empire spearheaded this landmark development. “We faced many hurdles with this project and I probably should have quit. The gals at Veronica’s Home of Mercy gave me the faith to keep going. They don’t give up. With all the trials they have faced, one would think they would quit, but they don’t. Welcome home girls,” said Kent. Construction of the $1.5 million project was led by HomeAid Inland Empire and funded through the generous contributions of several major donors including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Crestwood Communities, the City and County of San Bernardino, Dubois Foundation, Weingart Foundation, Joseph and Doleen Borba, and the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. HomeAid is a non-profit organization with the mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid Inland Empire and was established under the auspices of the Baldy View, Desert, and Riverside Chapters of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (www.homeaidie.org). Veronica’s Home of Mercy I currently provides 40 beds for women and their children as well as education and counseling to transition families into self sufficiency. Programs such as GED preparation, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and child development education emphasize growth and wellness for both the mothers and their young children. The original Veronica’s Home of Mercy opened in 1985. Both shelters are a part of Mary’s Mercy Center, a nonprofit home for women and children who find themselves temporarily homeless. For more information about HomeAid Inland Empire call (951) 686-0628 or go to www.homeaidie.org. To learn more about Mary’s Mercy Center and Veronica’s Home of Mercy, call (909) 889-2558 or log on to www.marysmercycenter.org. For information contact: Gigi Richter (951) 686-0628 Carolyn Baker (949) 553-9510 # # #
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