Princess Anne community gathers in hopes to reconstruct home for the Sells children
It was a packed house at the Antioch United Methodist Church, as community members gathered to discuss plans on how to build upon Valentina Downing's home, as she is now the guardian for the Sells children.
Downing tells us their main focus is trying to make the house safe for the children.
7-year-old Naomi and 4-year-old Aydahnn Sells were victims of a violent attack back on December 6, 2016.
Their mother, also a victim of the attack, passed away six days later.
The children are now facing traumatic brain injuries and nearly 2 months after the attack are still recovering at a Baltimore Hospital.
Aiden is currently paralyzed on the left side and Naomi is relearning how to walk and relearning how to eat.
Molly Hilligoss, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, represents just one of the organizations providing the proper reconstruction of the home in order to assist the children's disabilities.
The Vice President of Chesapeake Housing Mission Rick Nelson tells us they will do two things to revamp the home.
Phase one will be the wheelchair ramp because right now it's not handicap accessible.
The second phase will reconstruct the deck out back in order to let the children enjoy the outdoors.
Beyond their efforts, Habitat for Humanity is in charge of the fundraising.
Downing tells 47 ABC she is overwhelmed and beyond thankful for all the love she has received from the community during this difficult time.
Downing says, "Everything that's being done is is being done for the children, they're my first priority. After losing my daughter, God gave me the next job. Therefore I have to step up and step out and let God do the work in the people in the needs for our children because my children our their children we all live in the same community that's how it needs to be."
The first phase of the project for the wheelchair ramp will be done in one day on February 18th by the help of first responders.
The second phase will be done early spring and they are looking for volunteers.
In just one week, they already received donations from businesses such as roofing materials and windows, as well as labor.
There are 3 accounts at Hebron Saving Bank, if you would like to give monetary donations such as making a check payable to Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico for the construction project, a check to Valentina Downing for current expenses and medical bills, or the Princess Anne Fire Department.
Donations that are still needed:
Licensed electrician to donate services and materials
Drywall materials and labor to install and finish
HVAC licensed professional
Donations to cover framing & ramp material as well as framing labor costs
Insulation materials and labor to install
Siding materals and labor
Trim labor and materials
Dumpster and disposal fees
