Josue Residents Give Back as They Move Forward
By Martha Lepore

   People with HIV/AIDS are melding into a family-like community at Josue Homes in San Diego, a transitional housing program of Father Joe’s Villages.

   Resident Michael M. says, “When I came here, I had been in prison off and on for 15 years, was HIV positive from heroin and was homeless again. This place is teaching me to live with different people and not stand alone anymore. I’m getting the tools that I can rely on to keep me from going backwards when I leave.”

   “The residents know how to take responsibility for themselves here and they want to avoid anything or anyone that’s a threat to their recovery,” says Michael. “I’m that way now, too. We work together to make this a nice place to be, where we motivate each other, where people are not just taking up space.”

   Program Manager for Josue Homes Ed Thompson has noticed a culture change among residents. “Not only are residents fully involved in their individual case plans, but they also volunteer their time and energy to give back to the program,” he says. “Now they are approaching us with suggestions on how they can make Josue a better place for themselves and for future residents.”

   Josue Homes consists of three houses with accommodations for 26 residents and there are always repair projects and yard work to be done. “Many at Josue have taken it upon themselves to help with our upkeep and maintenance,” says Thompson. “I think this reflects a sense of ownership and pride that they feel while staying here.”

   In addition to basic yard work, residents have planted vegetable and floral gardens, helped cut down and dispose of dried bamboo, which was a fire hazard on the property, and assisted maintenance staff with small renovation projects, according to Thompson. They also volunteer their time at various other organizations within the HIV/AIDS community.

   Resident James N. notes that the staff has helped make Josue feel home-like. “Cheri and Caron more than help us with our case plans. They’re the best. I feel that they love us and are concerned about us. When I got here I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. All the staff members provide us with a family-like atmosphere. I have the utmost respect for them and Father Joe. They’ve shown me it’s cool when you give back.”

   According to Thompson, Cheri Sellers (Residential Supervisor) and Caron Berg (Residential Coordinator) are the “heart of the operation. Their hard work and dedication has helped many residents build their own unique bridges to success,” he said.

   For more information via the Web, go to www.fatherjoesvillages.org and select the Josue Homes tab.