LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of A-HOME of
Westchester County and honoring its co-founder and executive director,
Joan P. Arnold

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 25th Anniversary of A-HOME of Westchester County and honor its
co-founder and executive director, Joan P. Arnold; and
WHEREAS, A-HOME was founded in 1985 by volunteers who saw a need for
permanent affordable housing for seniors and disabled individuals in
northern Westchester; the inspiration came from the Nehemiah Project, an
exciting concept that had sprung up in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Faith based organizations in East Brooklyn had joined togeth-
er to help solve the area's problems and affordable housing was one of
their targets; with the Nehemiah Project as their blueprint, Joan Arnold
and Peg Normann brought together community groups, churches, and syna-
gogues to take on the housing challenge, and they started with shared
housing, the most economical model of affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, A-HOME was duly incorporated in the State of New York on
January 23, 1985; its mission is to strengthen northern Westchester
neighborhoods by providing people safe and affordable places to live,
which is the foundation of a stable life; and
WHEREAS, A-HOME provides safe, affordable rental housing in northern
Westchester by purchasing, developing and managing properties for its
current programs, which include independent supportive living for low-
income older adults and disabled individuals and apartments for single
parent families; through A-HOME's case management and linkages with
human service agencies, it has the ability to provide the needed support
that helps individuals to live as independently as their potential
allows; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of A-HOME of Westchester County and
honor its co-founder and executive director, Joan P. Arnold; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joan P. Arnold, A-HOME co-founder and executive director.