Horizon Builders Joins with Little Sisters of the Poor to Help Those in Need During the Holidays

CROFTON, MD – January 30, 2008 – Reaching out to those in need in the community is a holiday tradition at Horizon Builders, Inc. And this past Christmas was no exception. So when the Little Sisters of the Poor turned to Horizon for help, they were welcomed with open arms.

The Little Sisters of the Poor have cared for the poor and forgotten elderly at St. Martin’s Home for the Aged in Baltimore since 1869. These individuals range in age from 68 to 99 and have a variety of health conditions and disabilities. The Little Sisters of the Poor welcome them into their home and care for them with love and respect until death. The residents are encouraged to take an active role in the home, and the loving care that the Little Sisters provide enables them to give back to the community, as well.

However, more than half of the cost to operate St. Martin’s Home each year must come from donations. The Little Sisters of the Poor find these funds in a unique way. They beg. Like the Blessed Jeanne Jugan, who founded the congregation in France in 1839, the Little Sisters go out into the community each day to beg for food, money and other supplies needed for the comfort and care of the aged.

What they got from Horizon was a $30,000 shopping spree. The Little Sisters from St. Martin’s Home, along with Horizon principals and staff, spent several hours at Sam’s Club where they filled a 20’ tractor-trailer to the limit with food staples, clothing, personal toiletries and more for the elderly.

"We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the good people at Horizon Builders!" said Sister Pauline Kelly. "The shopping spree was a tremendous blessing. Not only were we able to get the food and supplies that we need on a daily basis, but also items that we could not otherwise afford."

For more information about Little Sisters of the Poor visit: www.lspusa.org

Today fifteen Little Sisters live and work at St. Martin’s Home, where paid staff and more than 100 volunteers assist them in providing total quality care to their elderly residents. The Little Sisters take a vow of hospitality and receive no salary for their work. "It’s thanks to our benefactors that we have been able to keep our doors open to the needy elderly for more than 100 years," said Sister Pauline. "The kindness of the people at Horizon Builders, and others like them, makes an important difference every day here at St. Martin’s Home."

"The Little Sisters of the Poor do so much for the community and touch so many lives, we are the ones who are thankful," said Joe Bohm, founder and CEO of Horizon Builders. "Their kindness makes a difference in people’s lives everyday. We count our blessings that we are able to help."

Horizon Builders, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Crofton, MD, specializes in building architect-designed, custom residences in the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information about Horizon Builders, visit www.horizonbuildersinc.net