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Malachi House Celebrates 20 Strong Years, Marked by 1,326 Residents Served
Two decades of bringing peace and dignity to Cleveland’s dying poor
CLEVELAND – August 26, 2008 – Malachi House, a home for the dying poor, celebrates 20 strong years of caring for Cleveland’s most terminally ill and poor individuals by marking it with 1,326 residents served. Located on Cleveland’s near west-side, the home supports and tends to those who have little or no financial resources and would otherwise suffer their final days alone or on the streets.
“Malachi House is a saving grace for many individuals in the Cleveland community,” said Diane Kennedy, chairperson of Malachi House. “Instead of dying alone and in despair, we provide them with the essentials and a comforting hand to hold through the end of their life journey. We are proud to have served the community in such a unique way for 20 years and look forward to many special years to come.”
Malachi House was founded in 1988, by Catherine (Kaki) O’Neill and Father Paul Hritz who pursued the faithful mission of rescuing sick and poverty stricken individuals from desperately dying on the streets, in deserted buildings, under bridges, near dumpsters and in abandoned cars.
Today, the home comprises 15 beds with an updated kitchen, living room, chapel, atrium and activity room. The House is neither a hospital nor a nursing home, but does provide support through a trained staff, hospice team and volunteers, who are available 24 hours a day to ensure comfort and care.
The House does not receive any government or state funding or insurance support, but instead relies on donations from individuals, special events and foundation support, which collectively raised more than $600,000 last year. The House is also generously backed by 150 volunteers who provide nearly 10,000 hours a year.
Today the House continues to provide the basic necessities of comfort, food, shelter, medicine and friends to lift the spirits and restore human dignity to individuals who are living out their final days.
“Malachi House is not so much a place for the dying, but a home for one to comfortably and respectfully complete his or her final days,” added Kennedy.
About Malachi House
Created out of a Christian sense of ministry, Malachi House serves terminally ill persons, without cost or regard to gender, race, religion or national origin. A trained staff and volunteers provide spiritual, emotional and physical support with the assistance of a hospice team 24 hours a day. The unique mission of Malachi House requires continuing support, which comes solely from the private sector and the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and other fundraising events. Visit www.malachihouse.org to learn more.
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