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Ariel
MS House |
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Executive Directors Merrill Ringold (MSA)
and Rabbi Anson Laytner (Multifaith Works) team up during the demolition
party in preparation for the Ariel House remodeling project. |
Ariel MS House:
Multiple Sclerosis Joint Housing Venture
First
in the Nation
Together, Multifaith Works and the
Multiple Sclerosis Association of King
County (MSA)
and have developed one of the first housing and supportive services programs in
the country for people moderately disabled by multiple sclerosis. The joint
venture capitalizes on the expertise of both agencies: Multifaith Works’
experience in providing supportive housing for people disabled by AIDS and the
MSA’s experience in caring for people with MS.
Until our joint venture, people disabled with MS had no alternative to moving
into nursing homes or other congregate care facilities, despite their young age
and the fact that they remain mentally alert for most of the disease’s duration.
A generous donor contributed a house for the joint venture after touring several
of Multifaith Works’ Multifaith AIDS Projects houses. Making the house
wheelchair accessible came next. Major contributors include the National MS
Society Greater Washington Chapter, the Boeing Employees Community Fund, the
Seattle Foundation, and other corporate and individual donors. Named “Ariel
House,” the West Seattle home opened in January 2002, and is jointly owned and
managed by Multifaith Works and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of King
County.
The
Need
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, and is a chronic
condition with no known cause and no known cure. It is not fatal or contagious.
It is estimated that there are between 3,000 and 6,000 people in King County
alone living with MS, 73% of whom are women. Although people with MS strive to
live as independently as possible despite the disease, approximately 20% still
end up needing to live in some assisted care facility.
Until our joint venture, people disabled with MS had no alternative to moving
into nursing homes or other congregate care facilities, despite their young age
and the fact that they remain mentally alert for most of the disease’s duration.
Your
Support
The donation of Ariel House was just the beginning. Although the
renovations are complete, the house still needs to be maintained, volunteers are
regularly needed, and support staff need to be hired. A reserve fund for repairs
is also needed.
Living in Ariel MS House
The goal of Ariel House is not just to provide a house, but to create a sense of
community and mutual support among the residents. Living in a house designed to
be barrier-free, individuals suffering mild to medium effects of MS will support
one another, along with the supportive services of the Multiple Sclerosis
Association and Multifaith Works.
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Ariel MS House houses five residents, with some rooms large enough to
house couples.
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Located
in West Seattle, the home is close to shopping and bus lines, a park, and
other amenities.
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Supportive
services are provided both through state-funded caregivers and
volunteers.
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The
MSA provides case management, rehabilitation and social work services,
as well as personal assistance and support.
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Multifaith Works provides the house management and facilitates resident
relations. A special Multifaith Works MS CareTeam of volunteers assist
residents of the house.
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One-to-one
emotional
support volunteers from Shanti, a program of Multifaith Works, are also
available.
For more information about donating,
volunteering, or living in Ariel House,
please
email or call the MSA at 206.633.2606 or Multifaith
Works at 206.324.1520.
Ariel MS House Chef's
Dinner
Wednesday June 11, 2008
McCormick & Schmick's Harborside Restaurant on Lake
Union
1200 Westlake Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
Doors open at 5:30 pm - Dinner Seating at 6:00 PM
Please join us for an elegant evening highlighted
by wonderful four course meal, fine wines and great company. Based on past
dinners, seats are expected to sell out rapidly. * Vegetarian options
available upon request.
Tickets are $100 per person. To make your
reservation please visit www.brownpapertickets.com, or call James Termin at
206.324.1520 ext. 221.iel
MS House Chef's Dinner
Those
wishing to financially support this pioneering joint venture should earmark their donation
for “Ariel MS House” c/o the MSA of King County, 753 North 35th, Suite
208, Seattle, WA 98103, email
or call 206.633.2606.
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