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Paralyzed man overjoyed with home

Therapist, social service agencies help Astoria man with funding

BY BRENDA ROTHERT OF THE JOURNAL STAR

ASTORIA - First-time home ownership is an exciting milestone in many lives, but for Raymond Parks, it's a dream come true.

Parks, 43, was in a car accident while riding home with a friend from his second shift job in 1991. He is now paralyzed in all four limbs and uses a wheelchair.

Parks' mother was his caregiver until her death in 2006. He was then admitted to Astoria Gardens and Rehabilitation Center. Parks' occupational therapist at the nursing home, Kathy Eckroy, contacted social service agencies to see what assistance might be available to get him into his own home.

Agencies including Advocates for Access, USDA Rural Development and the Illinois Housing Authority helped Parks find and fund a home. Officials from those agencies and others gathered Wednesday at his new home at on North Jefferson Street for a news conference.

In Parks' living room, Mayor Barry Beck said he knows about the struggles faced by people with disabilities.

"I've been handicapped for over 40 years with my right leg," he said. "When you're handicapped, you sometimes wonder what purpose you serve. . . . It makes me feel good that this happened in Astoria."

Parks got a 38-year loan with a below-market fixed interest rate and payment assistance. His home, which he moved into four months ago, is equipped with a new front deck and wheelchair ramp. Two bedrooms were converted into one to accommodate his special bed. He chose the warm paint colors on the walls of his home, which is neat and newly furnished.

A new deck will be built in the spring so he can enjoy the many trees and birds in his backyard.

Parks has a voice-activated security system. He gets daily assistance from certified nursing aides.

"It just fits me perfect," Parks said of his house. "Some people said I shouldn't do it. I proved them wrong."

Brenda Rothert can be reached at 686-3041 or state@pjstar.com.

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