Pennsylvania: FIGHT, Calcutta House Won't Partner

Officials of Philadelphia FIGHT announced recently the comprehensive HIV/AIDS service agency will not take over operations of Calcutta House, an HIV/AIDS housing group. Last month, outgoing Calcutta Executive Director Matt Teter said the agencies were in talks about a merger. Calcutta houses 31 residents with HIV/AIDS at two sites and also offers comprehensive medical and social services.

"After careful consideration and much discussion ... FIGHT's board of directors came to the conclusion that the housing programs of Calcutta House are simply outside the scope of our mission," said Mark Seaman, FIGHT's director of development and communications. "FIGHT is dedicated to providing HIV treatment, case management, education and prevention services. Housing is not something we are currently in a position to deliver, but we will continue to promote the critical need for housing, and agencies such as Calcutta House, in ending the AIDS epidemic."

Late last month, Teter said financial challenges and increasing demand for HIV/AIDS housing had dictated a major overhaul. In response to FIGHT's decision, Teter said the agency is considering several other options for Calcutta's future.

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