Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

New Bed-Stuy Housing Brings Support to Homeless AIDS Patients

 Housing Works CEO Charles King unveils the non-profit's new residence in Bed-Stuy.
Housing Works CEO Charles King unveils the non-profit's new residence in Bed-Stuy.
View Full Caption
Alan Barnett

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A new apartment building designed to bring support services to homeless people suffering from AIDS opened in Bed-Stuy on Friday.

The apartment, at 874 Jefferson Ave., was built by non-profit Housing Works as a way for patients to receive on-site case management, skills training and health care, as well as to give them an outlet to share their experiences with each other, according to the group.

The building will house 12 people that Housing Works CEO Charles King called "the most vulnerable members of society."

"We already know what research is proving time and time again, that Housing Works permanent housing gives you stability, allows you to become healthy and to put your life back together," King said. "Permanent housing enables you to become whole again."

In addition to the building's 12 units, residents will have a courtyard and rooftop terrace and the building is environmentally friendly, according to Housing Works— with recycled floors, LED lighting and a green roof.

One of the building's new residents, Debra Edwards, currently lives in another Housing Works building, where she's worked with a case management team that's helping her find employment and stay sober after years of cocaine and alcohol abuse.

Now 96 days sober with a GED and 19 college credits, Edwards said she's ready for the next phase in her life.

"I have been in the shelter system for 14 months and never want to experience that again," Edwards said. "This place will give me a new home to go with my new life."