BEL AIR, MD — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), an advocate for housing rehabilitation, today attended the Partnership for Housing Foundation’s Maryland Home Makeover ™ for the Sclafani family of Bel Air.  The Sclafani home has undergone extensive renovations to meet the needs of Joe Sclafani, a quadriplegic Marine Reserve veteran, husband and father of two daughters. 

“We owe everything to our veterans like Joe Sclafani, and to their families who love and support them,” said Senator Cardin.  “The Sclafanis have the happy ending they deserve thanks to the Partnership for Housing Foundation’s commitment to help Marylanders who need assistance in upgrading or renovating their home due to special circumstances.”  

In 2009, Joe suffered an unexplained compression of his spinal cord.  Only 20 percent of the family’s home was accessible to him.  The Maryland Association of REALTORS® came to his assistance and partnered with contractors, community organizations, suppliers and family friends to create wheelchair-accessibility in the home, which includes a new addition.

The Foundation developed the program inspired by the ABC television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The mission of the Maryland Home Makeover ™ program is to assist Maryland homeowners with basic home repairs and renovations that are needed to ensure the safety, health and security of the residents.  Qualified recipients include households or surviving families of police, firefighters, EMS technicians, veterans, community heroes and those who are developmentally disabled or physically challenged.

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