Vida/SIDA Opens Temporary Housing Program For Homeless LGBTQ And HIV-Positive Youth
Juan Calderon
Published: January 21, 2012
Chicago, IL - El Rescate, Vida/SIDA's supportive independent living program for homeless LGBTQ and HIV-positive youth, is set to open its doors on March 3, 2012. El Rescate will provide culturally appropriate, identity-affirming housing for eight to ten currently homeless young adults ages 18-24. The program will also provide residents with prevention case management, employment and educational resources and independent living skills training.
Housing services for homeless youth in Chicago are extremely limited, and of the services that do exist, few are specifically designed for LGBTQ and HIV-positive youth. El Rescate will provide housing and services that address the unique needs of these young people. Additionally, El Rescate aims to encourage self-efficacy and community building through collective living and civic engagement. Residents will participate in weekly house meetings, and share household duties such as meal preparation and daily cleaning.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for El Rescate will take place on Saturday, March 3rd at 12 pm, during the annual 100x35+4 open house event held by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center at 2703 West Division Street in Humboldt Park. Our invited special guests will include Juanita Irizarry, Program Officer at the Chicago Community Trust; State Senator Willie Delgado; 4th District State Representative Cynthia Soto; 39th District State Representative Maria Toni Berrios; and Rick García.
Posted in Community News