House of Ruth, the only local organization committed to ending homelessness among people living with HIV and AIDS, is happy to announce it has been selected to receive a Permanent Supportive Housing grant through funding from the American Rescue Plan. Awarded by the City of Louisville, the grant of $6,517,259 will be used to build 40 units of permanent supportive housing for House of Ruth clients and their families. It is the largest single grant received in the organization’s 30-year history.
“We are beyond excited and grateful to be selected for this grant,” said Lisa Sutton, Executive Director of House of Ruth. “We have been planning to build new units for years so to finally secure the funds to make it happen is such a wonderful development. As our clients are aging, there’s an increased demand for housing. This grant will go a long way to meet that demand.”
Recent research from the National Alliance to End Homelessness found that one homeless person costs taxpayers approximately $35,000 per year. This comes from increased use of crisis services such as hospitals, jails, and emergency shelters. In contrast, the cost of putting one person in supportive housing is about half that at just over $17,000 per year. Housing for 40 HIV-positive adults equals an annual savings of $680,000 for our community.
“Beyond the impact on our community as a whole, it’s important to consider the impact on the individuals who will be living in the units as well,” said Sutton. “Housing is critical for people with HIV/AIDS, especially since they’re living longer, thanks to breakthroughs in treatments. Without housing, it’s difficult for them to focus on medical care and taking their medication—and sadly, missing only a few doses can have dire consequences. This new housing equates to lives saved and you can’t put a price tag on that.”
For more information, contact Erin Cooper at (502) 587-5080 ext. 23 or ecooper@houseofruth.net.
