HOUSE OF RUTH Provides various programs and services to empower families and individuals who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. House of Ruth also administers Glade house and provides case management for those on housing programs. HIV/AIDS Agency Overview: House of Ruth Since 1992, House of Ruth has been an association of persons caring for families and individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The mission of House of Ruth is to provide advocacy and support for the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of persons affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. House of Ruth provides multiple types of support including financial resources, housing and case management, crisis or emergency support and interagency services to HIV positive individuals and household members. House of Ruth Programs are intended to maximize the potential of HIV/AIDS infected and affected individuals and families. Its goal is to improve the quality of life of the persons infected with HIV/AIDS and to address the homelessness and isolation often experienced by this population. Together, the client and the staff address specific needs including alcohol and substance abuse, homelessness, mental illness, poverty, illness, access to medical treatment, and emergency need for food, clothing, and transportation. Clients are provided services to support their stability and growth. Program staff conduct initial and ongoing assessment of clients, provide medical information and support, make referrals for clients to access other mainstream resources and services and provide emergency assistance to clients. Educational workshops are also offered to clients. Clients who are homeless are provided with housing options if there is availability in House of Ruth's permanent supportive housing program sites and are connected with other housing partners if there are no vacancies. House of Ruth is an AIDS Services Center Coalition member and is closely tied with other HIV/AIDS agencies in the community. These partnerships and relationships help to better address the future of service provision to HIV positive individuals and ensure collaboration to promote quality of services to HIV positive individuals. House of Ruth actively participates in the Jefferson County Continuum of Care to address the condition of homelessness experienced by HIV positive persons and families. Clients come to House of Ruth thru referrals from the WINGS Clinic at University of Louisville Hospital, Volunteers of America Kentucky Care Coordinator Program and by peer referral. Because HIV is a chronic illness, clients continue with House of Ruth after their first contact until they move to another geographic area or until they die. Client numbers continue to grow, currently at an average of 8-10 new clients per month. Of the 830 individuals served by House of Ruth in 2005, 59% are between the ages of 18-54, the most productive years for the individual and the community. |
