The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has awarded The Arc a $1 million capital grant to support The Arc’s Expanding What’s Possible capital campaign for the construction of Port Street Commons in Easton, MD. This significant gift brings the total amount raised for Port Street Commons to $6.1 million.
“We are grateful for the Weinberg Foundation’s tremendous gift as a supporter of Port Street Commons,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “This gift will have a major impact in our community, supporting the creation of more affordable housing opportunities, more support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and dozens of new jobs on the Eastern Shore.”
Port Street Commons will be a first-of-its-kind community space that will house both The Arc at Port Street, which will serve as The Arc’s new Eastern Shore headquarters, and The Residences at Port Street, which will boast nine affordable housing units operated by Chesapeake Neighbors with two reserved for the Talbot Interfaith Shelter. The buildings will incorporate universal design, sustainability features, and provide space for mental health counseling and innovative services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We are proud to support this important project, which will increase access to services for people with disabilities, as well as mental health counseling and affordable housing, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Elvis Guzman, program officer at the Weinberg Foundation.
Port Street Commons is under construction in the downtown Port Street district of Easton along the rail trail and is already contributing to the overall economic development and health of the community. The Arc broke ground on the construction of the 24,000-square-foot facility in June of 2023, and it is scheduled to be completed in late Fall of 2024.