“If I want to stay in Haines, we need to build an Assisted Living Facility.” – Lucy Harrell

Lucy Harrell had the courage, some years ago, to consider carefully and honestly what would likely happen to her in the last years of her life. She came from a long line of people who lived into their 90’s, but also experienced some form of dementia. Lucy felt that moving older people out of their community, into unfamiliar surroundings, decreased their quality of life and therefore shortened their life. She wanted to stay in Haines, and to keep her freedom as long as she could.  She loved the scenery, her friends, and the activities available in Haines. She wanted to be safe, warm, and comfortable in the community that she loved.

In 2000, Lucy Harrell, with help from Jim Studley, bought the last 4 available lots in downtown Haines which were located just two blocks from the center of town with beautiful mountain views. Until receiving their non-profit status in 2007, St. Vincent De Paul in Juneau and Hospice of Haines stepped in to assist with fiscal management. The project received funding from a variety of sources, including 8 individual grants, in-kind donations, and hundreds of thousands of dollars from Haines residents.  It took 7 years to fund the project. According to Lucy, “We built the whole thing without borrowing a nickel, so the residents only need to pay for their care.”

Construction started in late summer 2008, continued all winter of 2008-2009 and through summer 2009.  “We opened our doors in October 2009 and invited all the good people of Haines to come and rejoice with us in our gorgeous new home,” Lucy said.

Then, Lucy had a place to stay in Haines; in a warm, comfortable, and safe place for the rest of her life.  Lucy passed away, at HAL, in September 2019, leaving behind an 8-room/10-resident assisted living facility for elders to enjoy for many years to come. The legacy of Lucy’s charitable contributions to HAL and the Haines community at large, will be felt far into the future.

Lucy’s story offers an important reminder to all of us as to the importance of deciding when it is time to ask for help as we age. Lucy did not fear making these decisions in her life. From her, we could all learn to have the courage to plan ahead.

To date, there have been over 30 Haines elders, and their families, who have benefitted from Lucy’s generosity and determination. Her vision formed our facility which can serve up to 10 residents. Residents enjoy playing games, arts & crafts activities, visiting with friends and family, listening to live music, or watching movies together.