Great Help Found in Housing Works

Housing Works:soho

Great help found in Housing Works

On Crosby St, between Houston and Prince St, a large construction site obstructs the overall aesthetic of the block. Under scaffolding, rough edges and loud noise a treasure is hidden. Looking from a distance, it is difficult to notice where exactly the prize is located. The sound of drilling and hammering disrupts the music of the city. Construction workers are focused on their tasks and do not budge at the site of people around the area. The disarray of the cobble stones in the street further add to the chaotic atmosphere. However, under all the metal bars and wooden panels of scaffolding there awaits the entrance to 130 Crosby St., Housing Works.
Opening the heavy metal doors and walking into the lobby with its gray colored walls seemed a bit foreboding. The elevator with fliers posted on the walls announcing special events, volunteer opportunities and work shops, did not help to ease the slight discomfort felt in the lobby.
Stepping out of the elevator on the 7th floor to the Housing works offices seemed like entering a new world. Bright orange walls, windows letting light in and several plants situated around the room helped in making the space seem welcoming.
As harsh economic times ravish financial institutions and businesses, it is of great concern to know how establishments that provide services to the community are holding up. Through an observation of Soho, it is evident that many shops are faltering. Storefronts have signs stating “going out of business” and for those unlucky ones who have already failed, “space for lease.”
Housing works is a non profit organization geared towards providing assistance for homeless men and women who are victims of HIV/AIDS. As stated on their website, “Housing works is the largest community-based AIDS service organization in the United States, as well as the nation’s largest minority-controlled AIDS service organization.” In providing assistance such as shelter, health care and legal services, housing works goes beyond and further than most other agencies in order to help those in need.
Upon arriving on the 7th floor, an empty reception area awaited. The sound of conversation coming from other rooms filled the air. After a few minutes of waiting to be attended, a woman of about 5’5″ tall, with a high side pony tail and wearing glasses enters the room. With a questioning look on her face, “yes, how may I help you?” she asks, possibly wondering who the interloper invading her space is. Shakeema, 28, once homeless and a client of the housing work program, now works as the front desk receptionist. She phones in to her supervisor and jokingly mentions that his appointment has arrived.
En route to the supervisor’s office, open doors allowing prying eyes to peek in reveal other counselors and employees hard at work on their computers or filing paperwork. Upon arriving at the destination, a sign on the door boldly states “Programs Director”. As Shakeema slowly opens the door, a man sitting at a computer desk typing in a laid back manner becomes visible.
The man with a medium build, wearing glasses and dressed considerably casual introduces himself as Ray Rios. Having a great sense of humor and being knowledgeable about what happens in the office, “I’m the only one nice enough to talk to around here” he said.
Rios, who is enthusiastic to share his knowledge, brings light to all the logistical things there is to know about housing works. Housing works has a staff of about 400, with one-third being former clients. Housing works considers the people they assist as clients. One of their main initiatives is to provide intensive job training for their clients, so they are able to go back into the workforce. The Soho offices provide case management services, and Soho is home to a new housing works thrift shop and the Café bookstore.
Spending a lot of his time in Soho, Ray Rios has noticed just how much the economy is affecting the neighborhood. “Because of economy, landlords have given housing works the opportunity to set up the new thrift shop, where otherwise it would be too costly” said Ray. He not only sees the impact on the streets, but also in the industry. There has been an increase in client intake in the past several months for housing works. “Other organizations are losing funds to support their programs, so people are coming to us for help” says Rio. The Soho housing works intake center is getting approximately 100 new cases a months now, as opposed to 50-60 a few months ago.
Housing works is able to maintain its stability in these rough times due to the for profit sector of its company. With their many thrift shops around the city, café bookstore and along with accepted donations, housing works was able to rake in approximately 54 million dollars last year. Aside from maintaining financial stability, housing works continues to provide a sense of hope for those individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and being with out a home.

housingworks.org