Home. Health. Hope
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HomeFront ANNUAL REPORT 2016 JULY 1, 2015 – JUNE 30,2016 Home. Health. Hope. HOMEFront • ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016 • jerusalemhouse.org 1 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE MAY 10, 2017 With support from you, other generous donors, and federal grants, Jerusalem House expanded the number of homes we provide from 140 to 308, nearly a 125% increase, housing 356 residents, including 97 children, in the last year. We are deeply grateful to you and our community. You are helping homeless and low-income people affected by HIV/AIDS regain their health and their lives by providing stable homes and supportive services. While our goal—to provide homes and support to everyone affected by HIV/AIDS in need in Greater Atlanta—is unchanged, we must pause our expansion due to anticipated changes in federal funding. When we learn more, we will determine if we can continue the expansion and how large it may be. We will continue to update you on this issue. We are happy to share that two years into the New Horizons Program, Jerusalem House’s Tenant- Based Rental Assistance program, we have had great success. Unlike Jerusalem House’s other programs, New Horizons is not permanent housing provided by Jerusalem House. Residents get their apartment leases in their own names and pay most of their rent and utilities; Jerusalem House pays just a portion. The program bridges the gap between agency-provided permanent housing and independent housing. Currently, we assist 44 people through this program. Housing is healthcare. With their own homes, individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS regain the stability they need to improve their health, set goals, and move forward with their lives. Thank you for giving our residents homes, health, and hope. Warmly, Charlie Frew Executive Director Jerusalem House was awarded the 2015 True Blue Community Award by Georgia Natural Gas. 2 HOMEFront • ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016 • jerusalemhouse.org SEEN AT 2016 STARS PARTY VISION Everyone affected by HIV/AIDS will have access to a caring home that improves health outcomes and extends quality lives. MISSION Jerusalem House provides a continuum of housing and supportive services for Atlanta’s homeless and low- income individuals, families and children affected by HIV/ AIDS and leads the community in meeting their needs. VALUES Jerusalem House is committed to: • Quality housing and supportive services • Measurable results • Inclusiveness and community collaboration • Innovation and continuous improvement • Fiscal accountability and effective stewardship • Operational excellence GOALS 1. Deliver a continuum of supportive services to our clients 2. Be the leading advocate with community leaders, policy makers, supporters and media by providing information about HIV/AIDS housing. 3. Be the leader in acquiring HIV/AIDS housing funding by the end of fiscal year 2017. 4. Invest in our organizational infrastructure, technology, staffing and board development. HOMEFront • ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016 • jerusalemhouse.org 3 PROGRAM UPDATE Jerusalem House by the Numbers | Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016) Program Outcomes 356 97 concerning our residents Residents served Residents under the age of 19 87% reported The Expansion improved health Scattered Site II Scattered Site II from services received at our programs 49 71 New units New residents 10 0 % completed one personal/professional goal on their Cost per night Individual Service Plan The Program for Adults $82 The Family Program $177 91% completed two goals Scattered Site I $57 Scattered Site II $63 These costs include rent, utilities, case 75% management, counseling, furniture, and clothing have achieved viral suppression Volunteer hours 87% Total Volunteer Hours: 4,842.5 have a higher CD4 (T-cell) count than when they ADMINISTRATIVE moved in. 240 volunteer hours THE PROGRAM FOR ADULTS 97% 640.25 volunteer hours of elementary school children OFFSITE are promoted to the 1,214.75 volunteer hours next grade level. THE FAMILY PROGRAM 2,747.5 volunteer hours 4 HOMEFront • ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016 • jerusalemhouse.org PROFILE IN COMPASSION Jerusalem House Honors Douglas Ikelman for 28 Years of Support Douglas Ikelman has been a supporter of Jerusalem House since the original “house” first opened its doors in 1989. “A lot of people with AIDS were losing their jobs or they couldn’t work. I realized that people were losing their homes and being rejected by their friends and family, and I wanted to do what I could to help,” Ikelman says. He began making small, monthly gifts to Jerusalem House, giving what he could. Ikelman has supported the growth of Jerusalem House from providing homes to five men and women under one roof to providing homes plus supportive services to more than 350 people, including children, in five different programs. “I had no idea Jerusalem House would grow to be such a big organization, providing so much to so many people,” he says. “It’s not only about a safe place to sleep, but about helping people to really live and become self-sufficient.” Jerusalem House case managers, tutors, mentors, and budgeting classes help residents set and achieve their goals. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in North Dakota, Ikelman came to Atlanta in 1969. He worked with the state government in the Planning Department, the State Crime Commission, the Judicial Planning Committee, and the Department of Corrections. A hiker, he walked parts of the Benton Mackaye and Appalachian Trails. He also served as a USA Track and field official. After retiring in 2000, he began researching his family history, participating in Scottish functions, and traveled to Canada, Ireland, and Scotland to see the places where his ancestors lived. Throughout his adventures, Ikelman has been a steadfast supporter of Jerusalem House, giving every month of every year for 28 years. “I want to help as long as I can,” he says. “I’m grateful for the founders, the Board of Directors, the staff members, and the volunteers. They are the ones who deserve the applause and credit.” Modest, compassionate, and dedicated, Douglas Ikelman deserves some applause of his own. Jerusalem House gratefully acknowledges his 28 years of support. HOMEFront • ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016 • jerusalemhouse.org 5 A LETTER FROM GREG, A JERUSALEM HOUSE RESIDENT Dear Friend, I want to share my story with you. I’m a 54-year-old Atlanta native, and I live in Jerusalem House’s Program for Adults. When I found out I was positive, I was 26 years old. I thought I would not live to see 30. But I started taking medication, and I’ve been taking medications ever since. When the cocktail came out seven years after I was diagnosed, I got on that. Many people think that AIDS isn’t something that needs a lot of attention or resources anymore, but it does. Living with AIDS is still quite difficult. There have been tremendous advances, and I’m living proof of that. But it’s still a difficult disease to manage and live with. In 1996, I got shingles on my back. It was terrible, and it took me months to recover. The shingles caused nerve damage, which makes it hard for me to walk. Every three months, I get a cortisone shot. It helps, but it gradually wears off. In 2003, my father had a massive heart attack. I quit working and moved back to help care for him—back into the house I grew up in. After two years, I had to move out. For three months, I slept on people’s couches or in an extended stay hotel. It was a challenging and scary time. Then I moved into Jerusalem House’s Program for Adults. I have my own apartment. I live with dignity, and I can get help when I need it. Two years ago, my T-cells took a dive and went to less than one-hundred. I stopped working and focused on my health. Jerusalem House made that possible by giving me stability, serenity and support every day. I know Jerusalem House will always be here, with the support of friends like you, and that’s comforting. February 14th marks my anniversary of moving to Jerusalem House, and I am so grateful. Jerusalem House has given me and many others the chance to live with AIDS with dignity. Thank you all for your support. Sincerely, Greg 6 HOMEFront • ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016 • jerusalemhouse.org STAFF PROFILES FRONTLINE PERSPECTIVES Our staff members are the backbone of Jerusalem House. Staff members like Marquita Martin, Yasmin Stevens, and Joy Hines support, encourage, and motivate residents. Each shines a unique light on the work of Jerusalem House by sharing her experience. MARQUITA MARTIN A native Atlantan, Marquita Martin came to Jerusalem House with a science background and a thirst to directly help people. As a case manager, Marquita works with her residents every step of the way. “I want the residents I work with to feel like I’m their partner,” she says. She takes residents to their appointments, job interviews, and the grocery store. Jerusalem House staff members Yasmin Stevens (left) and When they need help applying for a government Marquita Martin assistance program like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Marquita helps them fill out the paperwork. When resident children move in to their new homes, she helps enroll them in school, calling their previous schools and getting copies of their records. She serves as a sounding board for her residents and helps them make decisions. On a deeper level, Marquita works with residents to identify the real barriers that stand in their way, like substance abuse or untreated depression. Recently, Marquita helped a client consolidate his debt and make payment arrangements. Now his debt is paid off, and he’s getting married and moving into a house he rented under his own name.