July 15th, 2019
PUBLIC NOTICE:
Due to discontinuation of federal funding allocated to group homes for those with HIV/AIDS, it is with great sadness that the Board of Directors of Shelter Resources Inc. d.b.a. Belle Reve NOLA announces it must close our three housing facilities.
The Belle Reve House and the Belle Esprit Apartments, which housed a combined total of twelve (12) individuals living with HIV/AIDS, will close on July 31st, 2019. The Belle Grace House, which houses seven (7) clients, will remain open temporarily, while housing is sought for these individuals, as well.
Shelter Resources’ staff, in collaboration with other HIV agencies funded by a federal grant program called “Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS” (HOPWA), is working diligently to issue Tenant Based Rental Assistance vouchers and immediately find apartments to house our clients. Shelter Resources, Inc. is committed to finding safe, appropriate housing for all of our clients. None will be discharged to the streets. All will be treated with the respect they deserve.
This is a direct result of “HOPWA Modernization”, which requires a different housing model. The preferred housing model is now low barrier, “Housing First” apartment living.
The Board of Directors of Shelter Resources, Inc. is committed to adopting a new mission, in order to continue serving the citizens of New Orleans.
Shelter Resources, Inc. is profoundly grateful to all of those in the community who have supported its mission through these many years.
Mission Statement
Belle Reve NOLA provides housing and full supportive services to people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS.
Our Vision
Our goal is to ensure individuals with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS have a safe environment to meet their medical, physical and emotional needs, in order to provide them with the essential, necessary skills to help them to return to independent living.
Our History
Belle Reve NOLA is the first facility of its kind serving individuals with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, to be licensed in the State of Louisiana. Chartered in September 1992 and opening its doors in March 1993, Belle Reve NOLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
As the needs of the community increased, Belle Reve NOLA responded and received additional federal funding to renovate the neighboring Belle Esprit house into three apartments. Local interior designer Chet Pourciau, in conjunction with Eric Hess, donated their time and talents, as well as furniture, to decorate the Belle Esprit community living room. In 2010, work was completed on renovating a warehouse garage into an additional seven-person group home called Belle Grace. Belle Reve NOLA can now serve a total of 18 individuals and three couples or families with children.
Belle Reve NOLA has consistently received superior ratings and honors from monitoring agencies, including a “Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Service” from the City of New Orleans. Our Executive Director, Vicki Weeks, was honored with an “Acclaim Award” from the Forum for Equality, for her tireless work in the HIV/AIDS community and received a “Special Commendation” from the United States Department of State, for her work with international visitors.
