[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1777-E1778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE HOMELAND CENTER OF HARRISBURG ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 135TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2002

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor today to recognize the 
Homeland Center of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 
135th Anniversary. For well over a century, Homeland Center has met the 
medical and social needs of the community through the compassionate 
vision of its founders.
  Christian men and women from various denominations established the 
``Home for the

[[Page E1778]]

Friendless'' in 1866 for the purpose of caring for the widows and 
children of the Civil War. The first residents consisted of just three 
women and one little girl.
  In June of 1871, the cornerstone was laid for a new building at the 
location where the building now stands today. Almost one year later, 
the building was finished and residents moved in, including 148 little 
girls.
  By 1907, only five children were left, but a waiting list existed for 
adult women who were in need of Homeland's services.
  As time passed, renovations were badly needed, but because of the 
Depression, funds did not become available until 1941 when two sunrooms 
and two sets of fire towers were installed on the building.
  The 1950's were a time of important changes for Homeland. In 1953, 
the name was changed from the ``Home of the Friendless'' to 
``Homeland.'' Four years later in 1957, plans began to build two new 
wings. The old building was renovated, too, and became the chapel for 
Homeland.
  By the end of the 1980's, Homeland was almost an entirely new 
building. New and nearby property was required to meet the growing 
needs of residents. The third floor was remodeled while the fourth 
floor was completely removed. New beds, a courtyard, and a new dining 
room were added.
  Perhaps the biggest expansion took place between 1996 and 1999 when 
six million dollars was spent to add an Alzheimer's care unit, a new 
chapel, more office space, and a new skilled care building.
  Mr. Speaker, although Homeland Center has undergone a phenomenal 
number of changes, it has never veered from the vision of its original 
founders to provide medical services and a welcoming community to those 
in need. Today, Homeland provides state-of-the-art living and personal 
care for one hundred and fifty residents of varying degrees of medical 
needs. A faithful team of nurses and aides staff Homeland, providing 
care and well being.
  I am very pleased to recognize Homeland Center today. Reaching its 
135th Anniversary is certainly a milestone; reaching it with a record 
of continuously successful growth is a truly remarkable accomplishment. 
Congratulations Homeland Center.

                          ____________________