Endicott’s Mercy House opens new wing
Cerra and Rumble
Pictured outside Mercy House at its grand opening is Linda Cerra, executive director, and Fr. Clarence Rumble, founder.
By Dc. Tom Picciano, contributing writer
A large crowd looked on as the new McDevitt wing of Mercy House of the Southern Tier was dedicated early last month.
Mercy House, a community care shelter, has been serving the terminally ill since 2016 in the former St. Casimir’s church. “We began with 10 beds and a mission rooted in compassion, dignity, and love,” said Father Clarence Rumble, Mercy House founder.
“At the time, I certainly never imagined that we would be here one day expanding our home to include six more rooms.” Father Rumble added. “The expansion is more than just bricks and mortar. It certainly is a testament to the heart of this community, a community that has not only embraced our mission but uplifted it.”
Father Rumble thanked those in attendance for their support, which he said had made the moment possible. “With this addition, we hope to respond more effectively to the growing needs of our neighbors,” he said, “certainly offering a place and presence for those at the end of life. Mercy House has always been more than a facility. It is a place where the human spirit is honored.” Father added that Mercy House cares for not only residents but their families, too.
“Compassion is not just a word, it’s a way of life,” he said.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in early June.
A ribbon cutting was held in front of the building. There was a poster listing 19 major donors toward the project, which cost $2.1 million. It also offered a thank you to individuals who continue to donate to Mercy House. “Very happy to be able to open up this new wing,” said Mercy House Executive Director Linda Cerra after the dedication, “and be able to meet the needs of our community and caring for more people.”
Cerra noted that good weather in the fall helped the building progress quickly. She said that allowed the inside work to be done on the 2,500-square-foot addition during the cold weather months. “They had it winter tight by November, so they were able to just cruise along. They did a great job,” she said.
The new wing is different than the original 10 rooms, where residents share bathrooms. Each of the six new rooms has an individual bathroom. Cerra said that will be helpful when caring for residents who have infections like MRSA. There’s also a new, much larger kitchen where meals will be prepared for residents. In addition to paid staff, 232 volunteers assist with a variety of tasks, including preparing meals.
Mercy House has served more than 1,300 people since it opened in February 2016. “It takes a village,” said Cerra about the individuals and groups who have supported the Mercy House. When asked how she felt after the event, Cerra responded: “Good. Relieved. We’re open and we can start admitting people.”
The new rooms were ready for new residents as of Monday, June 8.
