LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — More than 70 residents living with intellectual and physical disabilities at Faith Friendship Villa are at risk of being put on the street.
That’s why staff are making an emotional appeal to save the space that many call home.
“It’s a very scary thought,” said resident Tammy Gracia
“This is a great thing; great things never die,” said Matthew Arment, also a resident.
Faith Friendship Villa has operated from Mountville Borough since 2002, providing care to adults with mental and physical disabilities.
The Villa is also a ministry and offers faith-based activities.
But staff say they’re at risk of losing it all.
“We’ve been able to weather this storm so far but we’re not out of the woods yet and faith friendship desperately needs help to preserve the homes of these 74 precious, vulnerable residents,” said Executive Director Tammi Morris.
The nonprofit personal care home was the center of a criminal investigation after a former caretaker was arrested for sexually assaulting 14 residents in 2022.
The individual in question was sentenced earlier this year.
Morris says the incident caused many donors to withhold funds.
“Anytime an organization is facing any kind of legal complications, that makes us ineligible, albeit temporarily, for some of those funds. And that’s kind of what we’re feeling here,” Morris said.
Residents like Craig Davis feel like they’re being punished for someone else’s crime.
“That would just be a tragedy. I don’t think that’s fair. It’s not fair for any of us,” Davis explained.
Meanwhile, Arment is hopeful his home won’t be taken away.
“This isn’t going to close. Failure isn’t an option.”
Morris said 50% of the cost of care is covered by residents, the other half is made through fundraising with a monthly deficit ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 dollars.
A resident’s parent started a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising 20,000 dollars.
So far, it’s raised about 13,000.
People can also visit the ministry website and donate directly online.