FORT PLAIN – It was a long awaited homecoming for Emery Giovannone. The 58-year old quadriplegic, left paralyzed after a car accident, had been homeless since flood waters from the Mohawk River ruined his Witter Street residence in June 2006. Giovannone had to be carried from his house in a front end loader ahead of rising waters just 14 months ago. “Having a home to go to is the most important thing,” said Giovannone, who has been at the Palatine Nursing Home these past months. Feeling frustrated due to the destruction of his home and handicapped-accessible van, enduring three bouts of pneumonia and having his kidney removed, Giovannone is anxious to be able to finally move into his new home in the next couple of weeks. Under the leadership of Gino Santabarbara, an executive director for the Valley Rural Housing Corporation, and through the generosity of statewide affordable housing associations, local contractors and community residents, a new home was erected where Giovannone’s flood-razed home once stood. The new home is equipped with accessibility modifications, including a front entrance wheel chair ramp, new flooring to allow for wheelchair maneuverability and a fully accessible bathroom with a wheel-in shower and flood resistant features. “It was extraordinary on many levels and demonstrated the professional and personal commitment of people who felt compelled to help a very deserving individual,” New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (NYSDHCR) Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said. “Local, state and federal government agencies joined forces with local businesses, housing advocates and not-for-profit organizations in order to help Mr. Giovannone rebuild his home and his life.” Fort Plain Mayor Guy Barton was also on hand to welcome Giovannone home. Barton praised the efforts of village agencies during and after the flood and said the village was proud to have worked with the NYSDHCR, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and others to provide a new house to Giovannone. The total project cost about $130,000, and was covered by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and its Access to Home program, the Valley Rural Housing Corporation, New York State Association for Affordable Housing, New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, and American Homes of Richfield Springs. American Homes Director of Marketing Crystal D. Lynch was on hand to offer a final comment. “I am so pleased that American Homes was able to provide Emery with such a beautiful new home. The renovations that were made to make it completely accessible for Emery are completely amazing. “I hope that Emery can enjoy his new house and once everything has settled down and Emery is finally settled in, he can make this new house his home. Good luck Emery and welcome home.”
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