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When it opens in September, the 23-unit Bettendorf Place will be the only permanent housing facility for low-income HIV/AIDS patients in South Chicago. Alexian Brothers, a health care-focused Catholic religious order, is providing the apartments in a building that formerly served as a convent of St. Mary Magdalene Parish.
Michelle Wetzel, CEO of the AIDS ministry, which operates two other facilities on the city’s North Side and in a northern suburb, said opening a southern location makes sense. “We looked at the demographics of where the HIV population is most populated in the city, and this is one of the neighborhoods that’s most impacted,” said Wetzel.
“We felt it was important to open a facility in the community that had the need so that people could stay in their own communities, near their families, near their connections, near their faith communities,” Wetzel said.
A March report by AIDS Foundation of Chicago found 11,624 units are needed for people living with HIV/AIDS in the metro area, but only 1,367 are available.
In addition to the studio apartments, the building will have a computer center, and GED classes will be offered.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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