Ruah House

In 1990, Sister Jeannette Normandin met with a group of women with the purpose of providing housing for HIV-positive women who were homeless. The group consisted of professional women working in hospitals, shelters, prisons, and other community services. Four years later, Ruah was opened and named after the Hebrew term for "breath of life." In July 2003, Ruah joined with CCA to become a part of the larger continuum of HIV housing services.

Ruah provides permanent housing to seven formerly homeless women who are living with HIV/AIDS and in need of intensive support services. Twenty-four hour support staff are available to residents, as are intensive and home-based case management services. Ruah residents each have their own bedrooms and share common living space including a living room, kitchen, and bathroom areas. Residents pay 30 percent of their income towards rent.

To be eligible for Ruah, applicants must have:

• Verification of HIV status
• Certificate of homelessness (does not need to be HUD-defined)
• Income verification
• A minimum of 90 days sobriety prior to entering the house

Special Acknowledgement
Sister Jeanette, the founder of the program, received multiple awards from AIDS Action Committee and the Peace Commission, as well as a Rays of Hope Award. The entire Ruah staff received a special “team” Rays of Hope Award in March, 2002. We would like to thank her for all of her hard work and her lifelong dedication to the well-being of women.

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