Malachi Abuga – Nominee, MITC 2021 Hero Award
Malachi is a shared living provider for two individuals, and he also works overnights as a direct support professional (DSP) at a staffed residence in Massachusetts. Prior to the pandemic, one individual had moved in on an emergency basis and stayed because things went so well. Then during the height of the pandemic another individual was struggling in his placement, and Malachi didn’t hesitate to offer him a home. Malachi supported one of the individuals to maintain his job as an essential worker at a supermarket throughout the pandemic. The household also grew much of their own food organically, a good match with the second individual’s outdoor interests.