Our History

From One Into Hundreds of Homes in Atlanta

What is today Status: Home originated in 1988 as Jerusalem House, with the doors to our first home opening in 1989. Status: Home has grown to now provide more than 70% of Atlanta’s permanent supportive housing for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

We are Atlanta’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS permanent supportive housing provider. Here is the story of how we have evolved to meet the needs of those we serve.

History of Status: Home

Our Full Story

1988

A coalition of Atlanta’s business, religious, civic, and medical community leaders conceptualize a residential facility for the growing number of people who have lost their homes due to AIDS.

They name the non-denominational facility Jerusalem House because the word “Jerusalem” means “dwelling of peace.”

1989

The original Jerusalem House is one house for five persons located in the Druid Hills/Virginia Highlands area of Atlanta.

Now known as the Program for Adults, this expanded facility is home to 23 individuals with AIDS who reside in efficiency apartments annexed to the original house. The residents enjoy a community kitchen and dining area, a garden, and common areas for recreation and community meetings.

1997

Jerusalem House pioneers a first-ever program in Georgia – a supportive facility devoted entirely to homeless HIV+ single mothers and their children.

Known as the Family Program, it is located in the Emory University area, and provides one, two, and three bedroom apartments for 12 families in a campus-like setting.

Mothers and children are provided with common areas and activities including a learning center, a recreation center, and a playground.

2003

Jerusalem House launches the 32-unit Scattered Site I Program.

Scattered Site I is a master-lease program that allows residents to live independently in apartment complexes “scattered” across Atlanta while receiving supportive services that enable them to maintain that independent housing.

This program expands our services to include all family configurations, such as a homeless HIV+ single father and his children.

2009

The 71-unit Scattered Site II Program launches. This program further expands our services to include not only homeless, but also low-income, individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Scattered Site I and II combine to make the largest master-lease program of its kind in the United States.

2010-11

The Scattered Site II Program increases by 30 more units, bringing the total to 101.

The Scattered Site II Program increases to 115 units, bringing the agency’s unit total to 180.

Reductions in the City of Atlanta’s allocation of the H.U.D. HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) program results in reducing the agency’s unit total to 160.

2013

Additional reductions in the City of Atlanta’s allocation of the H.U.D. HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) program due to the federal government sequester results in further reducing the agency’s unit total to 140.

2015

New funding of $4 million is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the City of Atlanta Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program (HOPWA) to fund the expansion of our Scattered Site II Program and to launch a tenant-based rental program (TBRA) called New Horizons. Over 200 units will be added from 2015-2016. When our expansion is complete, we will provide 75% of Atlanta’s permanent supportive housing designated for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

2016

Due to the HOPWA grant formula allocation update, the City of Atlanta grants further funding to Jerusalem House to increase their 2015 expansion by approximately 100 additional housing units, bringing the total expansion to over 300 units.

2017

The Family Program celebrates its 20th anniversary.

2018

Jerusalem House celebrates 30 years since founding and incorporating.

2019

Jerusalem House celebrates 30 years since opening the doors of the first house.

After the dissolution of a large HIV/AIDS housing provider in Atlanta, Jerusalem House works with other providers in the city to help those affected. By December, Jerusalem House is serving over 600 residents, including over 125 children, the most ever in their history.

2020

Staff mobilize against the COVID-19 threat. The community rallies to keep residents and staff supplied with PPE.

2021

President & CEO Charlie Frew retires after 14 years. New President and CEO Maryum Lewis is hired after an intensive search.

2022

Status: Home is awarded $7 million by the City of Atlanta to purchase permanent, multi-family housing for some of its residents.

The Family Program campus is sold. The relocation of the program means that it can expand to serve more families.

2023

Jerusalem House rebrands to Status: Home in honor of our continuing evolution, our mission, and the essence of what we provide – a place to call home for homeless or low-income Atlantans who are impacted by HIV/AIDS.

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Status: Home (formerly Jerusalem House) is a 501(c)(3) charity registered in the state of Georgia.

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