HIV/AIDS has fast become a disease of poverty disproportionately represented among the African American community:
The southeastern United States, and the Mid-South more specifically, has been particularly hard hit by HIV and sexually transmitted infections
Shelby County has the fasted growing rate of HIV infection in the state. Young women between the ages of 15 and 39 represent the fasted growing group
Since 1992 more than 500 new cases are reported each year in Shelby County
50 percent of new cases are women under 25 years old.
70 percent of reported HIV infected are in minority population
More than 300,000 people in the United States are infected and do not know it
There is still no cure or effective vaccine for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
Hope House is the only agency in the state of Tennessee and just a handful in the United States that provides day care for children and social services for families, all affected by HIV/AIDS:
One-third of Hope House mothers contracted HIV through sexual assault
Hope House was started by The Junior League of Memphis in 1994 after two years of research to determine what services were need for mothers and children, who now represent a disproportionate number of people affected by HIV/AIDS
All Hope House children have a parent who has the disease or who has died from AIDS related illnesses
More than one-third of Hope House children are infected with the disease and many of those children receive medicines here at Hope House by staff medical professionals
Hope House also employs a full-time social worker and other medical staff to manage the unique conditions of infected children, many of whom receive therapy and counseling on a regular basis
Most Hope House mothers do not reveal their HIV status to their families or friends for fear of condemnation, not just for themselves but for their children
Hope House provides children and their families food, clothing, household necessities, transportation and sometime financial support – all to affect a better quality of life for the entire family
Hope House is a three-star agency, the highest distinction awarded by the State of Tennessee and Department of Human Services:
Hope House was recently selected by Shelby County Government out of just 16 day care centers to begin the two year process of accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Once accredited, Hope House will further be distinguished among day care centers for its advanced programs
Hope House has been featured in numerous articles and publications as a superior agency for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS
