Community Housing Options at Independent Supported Sites (CHOISS)

Many of the people in the homes of The Serra Project are those who have been hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic. For these individuals, a stable place to live is often what makes the difference in attaining a higher quality of life—both for themselves and their families. The Serra Project's Community Housing Options at Independent Supported Sites (CHOISS—pronounced choice), is designed to allow destitute individuals dealing with symptomatic HIV/AIDS and a verified second diagnosis—such as mental illness, substance abuse or physical disability—to live on their own, either alone or with family members, rather than in a group setting or, worse, on the street.

Housing consists of 84 rental units leased across Los Angeles County. The Serra Project acts as liaison between property manager and CHOISS client, assisting its residents—who may be completely new to the joys and responsibilities of living independently—on everything from understanding a lease agreement to general housekeeping. The client contributes 30 per cent of his or her adjusted income to rent, while The Serra Project subsidizes the rest and a portion of the utilities and telephone, plus all of the move-in, maintenance and lease-increase costs. Persons who are indigent pay no rent.

Upon entering the program, each client maps out an individualized service plan in conjunction with Serra Project support staff and the case manager from the referring agency. Plans include short- and long-term objectives based on client goals and are designed to improve quality of life. All CHOISS residents are assisted with their life challenges by Serra Project professionals, who in turn work in close collaboration with more than 100 social-service and medical providers to connect residents with a wide range of resources. These include HIV/AIDS medical care, HIV/AIDS education, mental health counseling, alcohol and drug-abuse services, case management, parenting skills, legal referrals, benefits counseling, transportation, food banks and our own HIV-specific food delivery service. Serra Project support staff visit clients in their homes each week to monitor their progress and advocate on their behalf. A housing coordinator works with each household to ensure its physical needs are met and that client confidentiality is assured.

Launched in 1998, The Serra Project's Community Housing Options at Independent Supported Sites program provides desperately needed homes and supportive services to a diverse and growing group of individuals and their families. Since its inception, CHOISS has provided housing and care to over 450 persons—nearly one-half of them the dependent children of AIDS-impacted parents.