How did Harvest Houses begin?

			Harvest Houses began as an idea of Sister Jeanne Brendel, O.P. after she witnessed too many cases where seniors were living alone, and as a result, were suffering from isolation and deterioration. One tragic case was more than 20 years ago, in a middle class community on Long Island. An elderly gentleman was eighty-five, living alone and dying of malnutrition. His death was not a result of a lack of food. The cause of death - loneliness. The challenge of meaningful options for the elderly became a dream of Sister Jeanne's. She started in 1978 to make her dream a reality. She fought zoning laws with the help of John Spellman, Esq. (pictured to the left) and in 1985, Harvest House opened its doors in Syosset, NY.


	So many people have given their time and expertise in helping make each Harvest House a home.