Assemblyman John Lemondes gets $50K for Unity House upgrades to Auburn facility
AUBURN — Assemblyman John Lemondes encouraged Unity House to apply for funding through the State and Municipal Facilities Program.
On Wednesday, Lemondes, R-LaFayette, delivered a check.
Unity House, which assists people with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders, will receive $50,000. The funding will support a $72,500 project to improve its facility at 31 Market St. in Auburn.
The building, which hosts Unity House's Day Habilitation Program, was built in the late 19th century and was donated to the organization in 2001. It was renovated and the Day Habilitation Program moved there in 2004.
The Day Habilitation Program supports people with disabilities and their families, according to Unity House.
With the state funding, Unity House can cover most of the costs associated with the planned upgrades. The project includes $40,000 to replace the fire escape, which is important because the Day Habilitation Program is using the second and third floors of the building. Unity House says the fire escape was inspected in 2022 and advised that it should be replaced within five years.
The existing fire escape is 2.5 feet wide and visibly rusty, according to Unity House officials. The new fire escape would be four feet wide.
Unity House will spend $25,000 to replace the roof. The current roof was installed in 2006 and has reached the end of its useful life.
The organization will also spend $7,500 to replace countertops in the first-floor kitchen.
In a statement, Unity House said the improvements "will protect the property from deterioration, ensure people can safely exit all floors in the event of an emergency and will provide durable and dignified programmatic space for people with disabilities."
As Lemondes presented a ceremonial check to Unity House CEO Elizabeth Smith, he said he was aware of the organization's impact in the community.
"A lot of people are after this money, but I'm glad that we were able to make it happen and give it to you guys," Lemondes added.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or . Love Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Online producer/politics reporter
