Mission Statement
To provide affordable housing assistance and support services to our Hawaii community's most vulnerable individuals and families, with a focus on persons living with HIV/AIDS .
Who We Are & Our History
|
Gregory House Programs is a 501c-3 nonprofit agency. It was founded in 1988 as Ho’omana’olana after a few dedicated and concerned citizens, including Michael Burnett (the first Executive Director), successfully lobbied State Legislature for funds to start up an AIDS housing program. Around the same time, Richard Smart, owner of Parker Ranch on Hawaii Island, purchased a small apartment complex and named it Gregory House in memory of Charles Gregory (portrait), an artist and Mr. Smart’s dear friend, who died of AIDS complications in 1985. Gregory House took in our first resident in December 1988.
In 1989, Gregory House Programs implemented emergency housing and subsidy programs to meet statewide housing needs. In the early 1990s, demand for services increased and working with other community players, the agency helped draft applications to bring new federal funds to the State. In 2012, we added the Save the FoodBasket Program (a supplemental food and nutrition program) from a successful merger. |
Housing is Healthcare and HIV Prevention
While our programs are open to all those in need, we have a focus on PLWH (Persons Living With HIV). Stable, permanent housing is essential to long term survival with HIV. Without housing, it is difficult for PLWH to access continuous primary medical care, adhere to a medications regimen, maintain proper nutrition, and access other support. Studies show that housing for PLWH reduces morbidity rates, improves health outcomes, extends life expectancy, and reduces legal issues (citations, jail, court proceedings) and usage of emergency services (ambulance, ER care, crisis intervention). Furthermore, housing reduces new HIV infections as housed PLWH are less likely to engage in risky behaviors than on the streets. (Source: Fact Sheets and Policy Paper)
Who We Help
Individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless with very-low incomes and limited resources, with a focus on but not limited to PLWH. In fact, over 92% of the families we serve have extremely-low incomes. Imagine a mother and child with $1700 income and benefits paying for housing, utilities, food, school and living costs.
Vision Statement
Persons living in Hawaii, with or without HIV/AIDS, to have safe and stable housing with access to supportive services they need to lead satisfying lives with dignity.
