Our Mission
Jerusalem House provides homeless and low-income individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Greater Atlanta with a continuum of housing options, supportive services, and educational opportunities that contribute to a resident’s overall self-sufficiency.
Our History
Today, Jerusalem House provides over 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.
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 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.
2010-2011
- The Scattered Site II Program increases by 30 more units, bringing the total to 101.
2012
- 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 result 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 result 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 Atlanta community rallies to keep residents and staff supplied with PPE.
2021
- President and CEO Charlie Frew retires after 14 years. After an intensive search, Maryum Lewis is hired as the new Jerusalem House President and CEO.
2022
- Jerusalem House is awarded $7M by the City of Atlanta to purchase multi-family housing for some of its residents.
- The Family Program campus is sold. The relocation of the program means that it can serve more families.