The History of Jerusalem House

In 1988, a remarkable coalition of community leaders came together in response to the growing number of people who had lost their homes due to AIDS. This coalition, a blend of Atlanta, Georgia's business, religious, civic, and medical communities, conceptualized a residential facility for homeless people with AIDS that would foster independence and dignity. They came to name their vision Jerusalem House because the word "Jerusalem" means "dwelling of peace." Indeed, for 20 years Jerusalem House has served as a peaceful oasis in the lives of over 500 residents who have called our housing programs home.

The original Jerusalem House Program for Adults, located in the Druid Hills/Virginia Highlands area of Atlanta, opened in 1989 to provide a home with supportive services to five homeless men and women with AIDS. Today, this expanded facility is home to 23 individuals with HIV/AIDS who reside in efficiency apartments. The residents enjoy a community kitchen and dining area, a weight room, a movie room, beautiful gardens, and plenty of areas for recreation, meetings, and relaxation.

In 1997, Jerusalem House pioneered a first-ever program in Georgia - a supportive facility devoted entirely to homeless HIV+ single mothers and their children. This unique residence, known as the Family Program, is located in the Emory University area, and provides one, two, and three bedroom apartments for 12 families. The program enables the mothers and their children to create secure homes and live together as a family. In addition to enjoying the privacy of their own homes, residents may take advantage of common areas and activities including an indoor recreation center, a learning center, a playground and plenty of space for support groups and meetings.

Given that many individuals are managing their disease and living longer, healthier lives, Jerusalem House launched the Scattered Site Program in 2003 and the Scattered Site II Program in 2009. The residents live independently in apartments "scattered" across Atlanta and also receive supportive services. These programs give us the capability for the first time to serve family configurations such as a single father with children as well as low-income individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Today, Jerusalem House provides over 62% of the permanent supportive housing designated for Atlanta's homeless and low-income population with HIV/AIDS. Scattered Site I and Scattered Site II combine to make our master-lease program the largest of its kind in the United States.