Frequently Asked Questions
Why provide housing to only those living with HIV/AIDS?
Who is able to join the program?
Do I have to be a recovering addict to join the Transitional Living Program?
Where do residents go after two years?
Do you have to be Catholic to receive services or volunteer?
How do I volunteer?
How do I donate?
Where can I find more information about HIV/AIDS?
Who is able to join the program?
Do I have to be a recovering addict to join the Transitional Living Program?
Where do residents go after two years?
Do you have to be Catholic to receive services or volunteer?
How do I volunteer?
How do I donate?
Where can I find more information about HIV/AIDS?
Why provide housing to only those living with HIV/AIDS?
Stable housing is the first step to improved health and quality of life. 3% to 14% of all homeless persons
are HIV positive. People living with HIV/AIDS and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are less
likely to receive appropriate health care and experience higher rates of opportunistic infections. Thus,
the death rate due to HIV/AIDS is seven to nine times the death rate among the general population.
Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry is dedicated to providing the tools needed to transition to permanent
housing and independent living. Through case management, recovery services, occupational therapy
and spiritual care, we take a holistic approach to ensuring a successful transition for this often over-
looked population.
For more information on HIV/AIDS and housing, see the findings from the "National
Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit Series".
Who is able to join the program?
In addition to having a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS, applicants for the Bonaventure House and The Harbor
must be:
- Homeless or at-risk for homelessness
- Under the care of a primary care physician, with a negative TB skin test or chest X-ray
- If in recovery, have 45-90 days of substantiated clean time and be committed to remaining alcohol and drug free
- If diagnosed with mental health issues, be under the care of a psychiatrist - and, if indicated, see a counselor and/or adhere to psychotropic medication regimen.
- Willing to abide by policies stipulated in the resident handbook, including the tier system, and willing to contribute a social service fee of 30% of income and/or benefits (Inability to pay is not a barrier to acceptance into the program)
- Capable of living in a diverse, transitional, congregate community setting
- Interested in, and capable of, returning to independent living in the community within two years
The agency does not discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
income, or disability.
Although the agency was founded by an order of Catholic Brothers, applicants from all faith
backgrounds, or with no religious orientation, are welcome. In fact, our Spiritual Care Program is
ecumenical and strives to honor and respect a wide variety of faith traditions and journeys.
Do I have to be a recovering addict to join the Transitional Living Program?
No. However, Bonaventure House and The Harbor are both sober living homes - meaning alcohol and
drug free.
Where do residents go after two years?
The goal of our Transitional Living Program is for residents to transition to stable housing and
independent living. Residents are assisted in finding permanent housing at the end of two years and are
able to participate in our After Care program, intended to offer continuing support.
Do you have to be Catholic to receive services or volunteer?
No. We welcome volunteers and applicants from all faith backgrounds or with no religious affiliation.
How do I volunteer?
Fill out our online form or our PDF form and mail or fax it to us. Requirements for new volunteers
include a volunteer orientation and TB Test. Additional training requirements will be determined based
on your volunteer role. Visit our Volunteer Page to learn more.
How do I donate?
Use our online payment form or visit our Donation page for more options.
Where can I find more information about HIV/AIDS?
Visit AIDS.gov or the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for more
information on HIV/AIDS.
