Atlanta: Jerusalem House Expands Residential Options

Jerusalem House -- an Atlanta-based HIV/AIDS organization providing housing assistance and support services -- ushers in 2003 with plans to begin Phase I of a new housing program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Shelter Plus Care, Jerusalem House's new housing program, will be fully operational in August, said Executive Director Ellen McCarty.

Shelter Plus Care serves a double purpose for Jerusalem House and its occupants, McCarty said. Jerusalem House currently oversees two programs -- one for single men and women with HIV/AIDS and one for single mothers with AIDS and their children. The Shelter Plus program will double the number of clients Jerusalem House serves by providing independent living opportunities to people who "have shown a recent track record of being able to live independently," McCarty said.

Jerusalem House will lease 32 units throughout Atlanta and sublease the living space to people with HIV/AIDS who need assistance in expenses but not full-time care. "Many clients have been stabilized, and this will allow those residents a place to go live independently," McCarty said. "At the same time, it will open up more beds and space for individuals who are more in need."

Jerusalem House has 12 formal, written agreements with other local AIDS agencies. Project Open Hand provides meals to Jerusalem House residents; AIDS Legal Project assists with legal matters; Positive Impact provides counseling; Jerusalem House employees attend educational seminars presented by AIDS Survival Project; and AID Atlanta provides health care services to residents.

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