Casa Nueva Vida (CNV) is a rental housing project located in North Philly arranged by the nonprofit ActionAIDS. CNV offers 12 housing units for homeless individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS. Referrals come from a variety of sources, including the Uniform Access System; the database maintained by CHOICE of people with AIDS and in need of service, funded by Philadelphia’s AIDS Activities; the City’s Office of Supportive Housing; and other outreach agencies, shelters, hospitals, and organizations. Applications are based on eligibility and level of need, with weight given to persons or families currently in shelters.

The 12 units are two-bedroom, bi-level apartments, three of which are intended for permanent housing, and nine of which are intended for transitional housing. The project aims to serve a maximum of 24 single residents at any one time, or a maximum of 48 persons in families. The housing contains space for support staff, and the six units on the ground level are outfitted to be fully accessible to limited-mobility tenants or tenants in the acute stages of AIDS.

All services for residents are tailored to individual need. The stabilization of medical benefits is prioritized, to ensure that residents receive appropriate treatment, counseling, and medicine. Other support services include case management, housing counseling to examine alternate options, family programs, and work support programs, all aiming towards a goal of self-reliance and eventual autonomy for persons in the program. A “Buddy Program” matching participants with trained volunteers provides external social contact through visits, phone calls, and help with daily living and household tasks.

One Neighborhood developed this summary. If you are an employee of ActionAIDS, contact hello@oneneighborhood.org to update this page.