History

Beginning with its first resident in 1990, St. Philip House has served over 185 clients taking some of these individuals from homelessness and addiction to homeownership and self-sufficiency. What began with an informal breakfast meeting sponsored by the Farmington Valley Task Force on AIDS in 1989 to address the housing needs of HIV+ individuals grew to a network of twenty seven units of housing for 47 individuals.

In 1994, Saint Philip House opened its first facility housing residential units and administrative offices. In 1996, another residential property was purchased. Additional rental properties are acquired as needed.

In 1999, Saint Philip House adopted a sister agency in Lima, Peru named La Posadita del Buen Pastor. La Posadita is a residence for orphaned and abandoned HIV+ children and some of their HIV+ mothers.

In 2000, construction of a community room was completed. This room has allowed Saint Philip House to expand its support and education programs to the surrounding HIV/AIDS community. Educational entertainment and health enhancing programs are regularly held in this room.

Through St. Philip House, clients find a warm, inviting community that fosters support and assistance in managing their health, employment and education.

Statement of Values

The Saint Philip House organization fosters an atmosphere of compassion, respect, and caring in its interactions with all clients, their families, friends and loved ones. We encourage individual empowerment while upholding one’s dignity and right to privacy.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide access to safe and affordable housing, increase community awareness through education, render support services to people living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones and encourage empowerment.

Funding

Funding for the St. Philip House organization comes through many ways:

• 100% Board support
• State of Connecticut Department of Social Services
• HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS) program
• HUD through its McKinney-Vento program
• Personal contributions from civic minded supporters
• Fund Raising events such as the Mad Hatter Auction and our annual Golf Tournament.

All of the funds raised from these events are returned directly to the residents and clients of St. Philip House. Additional support is provided through ‘in kind’ donations such as wheelchairs, furniture and clothing.

Non-Profit Status

St. Philip House is a 501 (C) (3) recognized organization under Federal IRS regulations.

Awards

• The New Britain Foundation for Public Giving’s 2001 Celebration of Excellence for “AIDS 101: Prevention Education for the Exceptional Learner
• Connecticut Department of Public Health 2001 Commissioner’s AIDS Leadership Award presented to Saint Philip House’s Executive Director Richard Baraglia.
• Connecticut General Assembly’s Official Citation in recognition of the agency’s “dedication and support in providing housing and daily care to those individuals diagnosed as HIV positive”
• Recognition from Connecticut Housing Coalition for “exemplary efforts toward decent and affordable housing” through Grassroots Housing Action