Clergy Appreciation

Community Homes of Lebanon County CEO Charlie Rush speaks at the Clergy Appreciation Dinner in Myerstown

The occasion was the Annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner, hosted this time by the Mary Gate of Heaven church Council of Catholic Women. Each year, the event is held at a different location within the Lebanon Deanery.

A crowd of approximately 100 people was there to honor all the priests and deacons in the Lebanon Deanery. Everyone had a good time.

In the spirit of “community,” the hosts invited a guest speaker for the event, Charlie Rush, CEO of Community Homes of Lebanon County, three of the local churches, Mary Gate of Heaven, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Cecilia’s, are shareholders of Community Homes of Lebanon County.

Mr. Rush used the theme of “How the other half lives” in his talk, citing some stories of Community Homes residents, specifically new residents of the recently occupied first phase of the Canal Street Affordable Housing Project. As of this spring, eight planned twenty-three handicap-friendly units are now occupied.

He also paid tribute to two associates, Ray Bender, A founding member/incorporator. Secretary of Community Homes, for his 57 years of service, and Cottie McNamara – Site Administrator for Willow Terrace, with 36 years of service to Community Homes,

Charlie shared several stories in his remarks. Here are some examples from new residents of the new Canal Street Affordable Housing Project. Note that the names have been changed to protect privacy.

• Jane D.– Cancer caused the amputation of her right leg and part of her hip. She was a nurse. She had previously paid almost $1000 in rent. She now spends 30 percent of her income on rent and has enough money to plan for her future (financial education).
• Sally F. – a single mom with three children, ages 4 to 10. The prior residence was in a basement. The middle child is autistic. Community Homes recently had a reception at the Canal Street location, and the children baked cookies for the event!
• –Elly V. Single mom with one autistic child enrolled in a new school. Her new two-bedroom apartment rent is $253 monthly, thanks to the 30% agreement. She can afford childcare and can job hunt.
• Nancy D.- living now with less anxiety and stress, has better markers for cancer; feels well supported by the caring Community Homes staff, “even the guys who mow the grounds.”

Mr. Rush concluded his remarks by suggesting that we all consider making an investment in the lives of “the other half” by supporting the capital campaign to provide housing for the planned 15 more units to complete the Affordable Housing Project over the next several years.