March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 46 F

Chrysalis House suffers devastating damage, seeks community support

chrysalisChrysalis House, Inc. based in Crownsville, Maryland suffered a devastating incident on Friday, January 9th. Around 2 a.m. in the morning the house alarm systems sounded, alerting the one staff member on duty to a water main break in the house. As a result ceilings in sleeping, treatment, and operations areas, including the kitchen fell through and major flooding occurred.

The flooding is very severe and has displaced over 43 women and 19 children who call Chrysalis House their home. Currently housing and treatment operations are being led by Lorene Lake, Executive Director, and Beata Kinsey, Program Director, in the only building on the property that was not effected; with the Chrysalis House Crownsville emergency plan going into effect.

The entire community at Chrysalis House is so thankful for the help and generosity of the community. Hope House, Chrysalis House Healthy Start (Baltimore), and many more organizations immediately stepped up to assist to make this situation bearable for all involve. The building is likely to remain closed for five to seven days, keeping all residents and their children in temporary housing. Full restoration work will continue upon initial clean up.

Many of the clients reported feeling absolutely terrified when the alarm went off, and then a new, colder kind of fear when they realized that their child was wearing only a diaper and a tee shirt and they could not go back and get anything for them. Clients also reported time and time again that because of how staff handled themselves that they were gradually able to feel safe and knew they could trust us [Chrysalis House] to take care of them” explained Beata Kinsey. This will be an on-going effort with all staff and the community partners involved.

Chrysalis House is now asking for donations, including food (prepared, canned, and perishable), bedding (pillows, sheets, towels) and clothing (all women’s sizes and children’s sizes newborn-10; male and female). Additionally, any monetary donations would be greatly appreciated to assist Chrysalis House with the unexpected costs associated with the damage and restoration. Donations may be made via their website (www.ChrysalisHouses.org) or by sending a check to Chrysalis House, Inc. 1570 Crownsville Road, Crownsville, MD 21032.

“I’m proud of our clients for handling this so well and I really appreciate the professionalism. Additionally, the support from our partners and friends is ongoing. It means so much to all of us—staff included” described Lorene Lake.

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