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Reclaim Renew Renest

Renesting’s work is focused on providing furniture to those in need in Northwest Louisiana. But how do we reach “those in need?” We partner with helping agencies in the region that are doing amazing work in our community! This week, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our valued agency partners, The Philadelphia Center, a vital resource for HIV/AIDS support and community wellness in Northwest Louisiana since 1990. Their mission to Empower those living with HIV, Eliminate new HIV transmissions, and Enhance community wellness aligns with our vision of creating stability and dignity.

 

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Image courtesy of The Philadelphia Center

What They Do

Through our partnership, we’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact they have on the lives of their clients and the broader community. The Philadelphia Center provides a comprehensive array of services designed to support, educate, and empower:

  • Case Management Services: They connect clients to essential resources, including: transportation, food vouchers, housing and utility assistance, mental health counseling, support groups.
  • Free, Confidential Testing: The center offers no-cost testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Testing takes only 20 minutes, and results are available within three days.
  • Wellness Center: Focused on the health and wellness of the GBT community, the center provides specialized STI testing, treatment, and tailored health care.
  • PrEP Clinic: Their clinic prescribes PrEP, a daily medication proven to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%. Clinics are held weekly, ensuring accessible preventative care.
  • Syringe Service Program (SSP): A standout harm reduction initiative, this program offers sterile syringes, safe disposal, and education for people who inject drugs. SSPs have been shown to reduce HIV and hepatitis C infection rates by about 50%.

 

A Beacon of Hope: The Mercy Center

The Philadelphia Center also operates The Mercy Center, a 24-hour permanent supportive housing program for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Located in Shreveport’s historic Ledbetter Heights neighborhood, this program provides supportive care for those 50+ years old or who otherwise require special assistance for healthy living. Their motto is: Housing is Healthcare. Something we can definitely get behind.

 

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Image courtesy of The Philadelphia Center

Why We Value This Partnership

At Renesting, we believe that access to housing is just one piece of the puzzle of community wellness. Our collaboration with The Philadelphia Center helps us address the interconnected needs of our shared clients, ensuring they receive furnishings to create a home and supportive services to maintain their health and independence. It is important to us to serve EVERYONE in our community without stigma, prejudice, or hate.

By working together, we create a stronger, healthier community.

Learn More

To learn more about The Philadelphia Center and how to support them, visit their website: https://philadelphiacenter.org.

 

This post was written by Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden with input and editing from Chris Miciotto, Executive Director of The Philadelphia Center