Friends for Life: Aids and HIV Resource Center in Memphis

Friends for Life HIV/AIDS Resource Center in Memphis, Tennessee, is the only agency of its kind in the Mid South area. Friends for Life intends to help those affected by HIV/AIDS live well with the condition. It is a place that offers community, hope, and healing for all those whose lives are touched by HIV/AIDS. This does not only include individuals infected with the HIV virus or in the stage of AIDS. It also includes their children, family, and friends.

Services

Aloysius Home was originally a hospice that was founded in 1992 for those who are without shelter. Today it is a service that provides permanent housing for people living with HIV/AIDS through the Shelter Plus Care Program. Shelter Plus Care is a sixteen unit apartment complex for people capable of independent living with HIV. The Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program provides housing vouchers for specific rental units throughout the city that tenants can receive for up to three years. These units are selected based on how customized they are for people living with HIV/AIDS. Aspects such as wheel chair accessibility are considered. The case managers and clients identify the units they find ideal. This program is a partnership with the Memphis City Division of Housing Community Development and the Memphis Housing Authority. This program allows tenants to pay thirty percent of their rent with a housing voucher, and there is a utility allowance.

Case Management is a services that provides case management services to people who have been unable to obtain proper medical care and find ways to assist them in obtaining the appropriate treatment. This is done through network with homeless service provider system, alcohol and drug treatment centers, the mental health system, and the corrections system. Adult Special Care is involved in this with the case managers.