Our House Of Portland Inc

Programs: Our house ------------------------------------------- our house provides 24 hour specialized nursing care and services in a residential care facility for those with advanced hiv who require intensive care. In addition to hiv and related physical health issues, many residents also suffer from mental illness, substance abuse and/or histories of homelessness. In the past year a total of 16 residents and their families were served. Residents of our house are encouraged to attend activities provided by our staff and community volunteers. These opportunities include swimming, bowling, bingo, creative writing, gardening, crafts and more. We also have frequent outings to parks, museums, movies, the coast, as well as special community events. Our therapeutic garden continues to thrive with residents participating every thursday afternoon to plant, cultivate and harvest fruits and vegetables that are then prepared and served to them by our kitchen volunteers. All residents, including those with visual and other physical impairments, are encouraged to participate. We make special provisions for them to be involved in a meaningful way. Gardening is a great way to build community among our residents and a source of pride and accomplishment for those that are involved. The work at our house continually evolves, depending on the nature of the ever changing hiv virus and the complexity of our residents. Much of our recent work is centered around addressing complex co-morbidities, as well as difficult behavioral and cognitive issues. Our continuing educational programs for staff and volunteers are centered around current issues of behavior, nutrition, diversity and other important topics.

neighborhood housing & care program (nhcp) ------------------------------------------- the award-winning neighborhood housing & care program (nhcp) provides assistance with housing as well as supportive services to low income people living with hiv who wish to live independently. The multi-disciplinary, professionally licensed care team provides assistance with nursing services, social services and occupational therapy. The nhcp staff is knowledgeable about issues affecting people living with hiv, community resources & navigating health care systems. Our team works with cascade aids project to provide assistance with securing and maintaining permanent housing. Our team provides health assessments, education and medication management, coordination and assistance to perform self and household care, coordination of housing support, counseling and social support, home safety, and opportunities for engagement and connection in the community. A strong connection to community resources helps clients meet material, emotional, health, vocational and leisure needs. We also provide caregiver education, training, consultation and practice of life and coping skills. This year, a total of 35 clients were served.

community services program ------------------------------ the community services program consists of tod's corner and esther's pantry which provide vital services to low income individuals in our community living with hiv. Clients accessing services to esther's pantry may visit each month to receive supplemental food and personal care items. Esther's pantry was established in 1985 and serves over 200 clients each month. Clients who visit tod's corner may receive household items, clothing, and companion pet supplies. Other services are also provided upon request; this may include companion pet care, personal identification cards, emergency travel expenses, cremations and more. Clients of esther's pantry and tod's corner must receive a referral from a care provider to access services. This year, 633 individuals were served.