Project NOW will become the new owner of three housing properties operated by DeLaCerda House, the Quad Cities organization dedicated to providing safe housing for homeless individuals diagnosed with HIV and AIDs and their families.
The acquisition, announced at a recent news conference, is the result of a partnership between the City of Rock Island and Project NOW. It’s designed to continue the legacy of James “Jim” DeLaCerda and Robb Dussliere. Under the acquisition agreement, DeLaCerda House’s three properties will continue operating but it will now be under the management of their new owner Project NOW.
Since 1994, DeLaCerda House has been providing housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. It’s the only housing designated for those living with HIV/AIDS in a 15-county area.
The merger has the blessing of the DeLaCerda Board, Project NOW’s Board of Directors, and the City of Rock Island, which manages the state grant to operate the homes, according to a joint news release from the groups.
Under the arrangement, the city agreed to pass a $65,000 state grant it gets for managing the homes through to Project NOW. The deal also calls for Project NOW to add two employees including DeLaCerda House Executive Director Cathy Jordan, the nonprofit Project NOW said Monday, June 20.
Project NOW’s Executive Director Dwight Ford, said he expects the transition to be seamless and as DeLaCerda continues its mission to provide housing, advocacy services, and progressive case management for persons with HIV/AIDS who are experiencing homelessness.
“The coalition established showcases the strength of not only agencies but our community to ensure people do not fall through the cracks,” the Rev. Ford said. “Supportive housing and a shared commitment can lift families and individuals above any barrier that exists.”
Jake Neilson, president of the DeLaCerda, said he is excited about the merger because Project NOW will be able to continue the legacy of Mr. DeLaCerda and Mr. Dussliere.
“We wholeheartedly believe that joining forces will be the endgame of the AIDS epidemic,” he said. “I am honored to announce that DeLaCerda House is officially becoming a part of the Project NOW team, so we can most effectively support the members of our community afflicted with this condition. We look forward to working with Project NOW as my fellow board members and I will be joining the Project NOW Housing Committee in support of the organization’s housing activities.”
DeLaCerda House was established in 1994 to honor the memory of Mr. DeLaCerda, a healthcare professional who was diagnosed with AIDS, treated patients with AIDS, and advocated for the elimination of the harmful stigmas that too often accompany the disease, the news release said.
In 1996, through the advocacy work of Mr. Dussliere, DeLaCerda House opened Robb’s House; the first of three properties owned by DeLaCerda House in Rock Island. In 2002, DeLaCerda House acquired two more properties and named them “Steven’s Place” in honor of Steven Rosen, who died in 1993 of AIDS. In 2003, these properties were remodeled into eight one-bedroom apartments.
Today, Steven’s Place is a permanent supportive housing program for individuals that are experiencing homelessness and living with HIV/AIDS.
In 2009, Longview Place opened to address the needs of families with dependent children that are living with HIV/AIDS. This large historic home was completely remodeled to provide two separate duplexes to assist these families with receiving supportive services while living independently.
Mr. Neilson has a personal connection to the homes and DeLaCerda House’s mission.
“In the three decades since our organization’s founding in the memory of Jim DeLaCerda, and since my uncle Robb Dussliere lost his own battle with AIDS, our medical community has made great strides in managing the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” he said.
“Likewise, our community has rallied together to provide support and hope to those afflicted. And while we honor the memories of our loved ones lost along the way, and we celebrate the milestones achieved, a lot remains to be done to end this epidemic,” he added.
“We must adjust the way that we serve our community to reflect the realities of living with HIV and AIDS in the now. If we can empower people with housing and basic opportunities, they have a better chance to manage this condition and live longer, happier, and healthier lives.”
He also thanked the two partnering organization’s boards; the City of Rock Island, which he said “has been such a wonderful host for 30 years; and community AIDS awareness leaders including Dr. Louis Katz “for his dedication to AIDS research and treatment”; and donors including the late Lee Smith.
“We hope you all will continue to be involved, and we are excited to see what we can do together,” Mr. Neilson said.
