The people with whom [Heritage] deals ... are at the bottom of the housing ladder; people whose lives are on the edge of disintegration; people trying day by day to beat the disease of alcoholism, or mental illness, or substance abuse. That is our clientele. … Without government assistance to house this population, they will be in everyone’s backyard, and in their parks, and under their highways, and in their train stations.
And housing is only the first step. They need counseling. They need individual support. They need treatment.
… for this country to remain great, it must deal with and find a way to use the great potential this large disadvantaged population represents in terms of manpower (personpower), diversity and creativity.
- Ana Pereria
New Beginnings is a 16 bed transitional (90 days) housing program for individuals who are homeless and living with AIDS or other HIV related illnesses. As soon as they enter the program, New Beginnings clients are linked to medical services for assessment and treatment. Clients are also assisted in improving daily living skills and overall functioning, and in accessing more permanent housing. Medical and case management services are provided on-site, and referrals are made for collateral services. New Beginnings helps clients to sustain independent living and increase their level of functioning and self-reliance. Case workers assess residents’ social, medical, mental health, physical and psychosocial needs. Tenants receive assistance with finances, entitlements, substance abuse issues, daily living skills, socialization, and medical and legal matters.