Handicap accessible renovations planned for Princess Anne kids’ homecoming

The Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County announced Thursday their intention to raise funds to help expand the home of Valentina Downing, the grandmother and guardian of two Princess Anne children who were brutally attacked in December.

Officials from Habitat for Humanity say a community meeting will be held on February 2nd at the Antioch United Methodist Church on Somerset Avenue in Princess Anne. The meeting will detail plans for Downing's home and kick off fundraising efforts, the Wicomico Habitat for Humanity said.

The children, who were attacked on December 6th in Princess Anne and lost their mother in that same attack, are still receiving care at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

The boy, 4, is partially paralyzed while the 8-year-old girl is recovering from two brain surgeries needed as a result of her injuries, officials said.

Habitat for Humanity says since both children are in wheelchairs and suffer from traumatic brain injuries, Downing's home needs to be outfitted to be handicap accessible and meet their special needs.

Downing is scheduled to speak at the community meeting, where she will talk about the children's conditions and when they will be able to return home to the Eastern Shore.

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County says they need approximately $45,000 to complete renovations including a handicap bathroom with walk-in shower and shower seat as well as 500 additional square feet to accommodate two bedrooms for the kids.

Chesapeake Housing Mission will reportedly be constructing a handicap ramp.

Habitat for Humanity asks service trades professionals such as plumbers, HVAC experts, electricians and masons who are interested in helping on the project to contact Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity Molly Hilligoss at 410-546-1551 extension 107 or to email her at molly@wicomicohabitat.org.

Donations can be made specifically for the Downing Project to Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County.