Calcutta House is one of 18 agencies across the nation that will receive a federal grant to provide housing for those with HIV/AIDS.
The Housing and Urban Development grant, totaling $837,303, will support the agency’s Serenity Court, a nine-bed residence.
The funding is for a three-year period. Calcutta House has received funding through the grant stream since 2003, when the money was used for the construction of Serenity Court, which opened one year later.
Calcutta also operates the 18-room Independence Place.
This latest award is a slight increase over the previous funding cycle, said Calcutta House director of development and communications Joe Tozzi.
The funding will be used for operational costs — such as building maintenance, housing and nursing supplies and transportation for residents — and support services, which pays nursing, hospice and other staff.
Despite this funding win, Tozzi said a large grant the agency has received for more than a decade from the state Department of Public Welfare may be in jeopardy.
If that funding is eliminated, Tozzi said the agency is not in a position to lay off workers — as DPW requires a certain number of nursing staff for Calcutta House to maintain its license.
“Even if the money isn’t there, we can’t lay off any direct-service staff,” he said. “So it would be quite a problem for us if we don’t get that funding or even if it’s a reduced amount.”
The uncertainty of that funding stream highlights the importance of the renewal grant.
“It’s crucial,” Tozzi said. “It’s really the main source of support.”
Calcutta House just entered its 25th year, and Tozzi said the agency hopes to be thriving as long as there is a need for its services.
“While we would hope that the epidemic would not be around for another 25 years, the city’s HIV infection rate is five times the national average, so we hope to still be here serving those who are in need for another 25 years,” he said.
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].