Twenty-five years ago, life with AIDS and HIV was a death sentence. Today, because of improved drug therapies and increasing life spans, it is possible to integrate AIRS clients into the fabric of Baltimore to become homeowners, consumers, taxpayers, and volunteers.
Our "milestone" fundraising campaign and signature event celebrate many stakeholders- individuals, corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, religious, and community groups--who represent our past and our future.
History
In 1987, AIRS was founded by the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council as the Baltimore faith community’s response to need for providing housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are very low income or homeless and are infected or at risk of HIV/AIDS disease.
We currently operate 194 units of scattered site housing in the form of single family homes, duplexes, row homes, garden and high rise apartment units; AIRS owns 38 units and leases the balance on the open market. AIRS receives a federal subsidy for rent to support operating costs and requires each household to contribute 30% of their income toward rent and utilities.
City Steps
New City Steps program. Click here for more information.
Oscar Night
Mission Statement
AIRS provides comprehensive supportive housing services to enhance quality of life, emphasizing self-sufficiency for low-income and homeless individuals and families living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS or other disabilities.
What We Do
In addition to providing, safe, decent and affordable housing, AIRS provides supportive services to help individuals and family members maintain their housing. Through intensive case management, residents establish an Individual Service Plan focused on increasing education and job skills to obtain living wage employment.
Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc. (EHM), a wholly owned subsidiary, is our developer and property management company. EHM ensures that quality housing is available for AIRS clients, and helps to educate residents on good tenancy and housing maintenance. EHM also provides job training and employment for AIRS residents.