by Catholic Charities – June 2, 2022

Family Atmosphere Aglow at Peter Claver Community

On an early spring afternoon, five cheery residents play bingo in the sunlit common area at Catholic Charities Peter Claver Community (PCC). Resident Diane has been on a winning streak, scoring her second gift card of the week. She waves the card in the air: “Anyone need anything from Target?” she asks. “I already have everything I need.”

This is the generous, familial atmosphere you find at the residential care community which offers short-term 24/7 care and case management to 32 formerly homeless individuals who live with disabling HIV. “It’s like one big family here,” says Stan Stone, the program’s Activities Coordinator.

Stone supports residents with everything from accompanying them to medical appointments to organizing outings such as theater shows or sports games. Recently, Stone took several of them to a new ice cream spot. “We just enjoyed each other’s company, eating and talking by the ocean,” he said. Most recently, residents painted mini pots with succulents to add greenery to rooms, and had a blast visiting Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. For next month, the residents look forward to a fascinating visit to the California Academy of Sciences and horseback riding on the beach. These outings are paramount for residents’ mental and socio-emotional wellbeing.

In addition to offering housing, meals, activities, and medical assistance with two on-site nurses, the Peter Claver Community connects residents to service providers across the city to meet their needs, whether those are medical, psychosocial, vocational, or spiritual. Through the program’s medication management, harm reduction education, counseling, and case management, our dedicated PCC team carries out our mission to serve the most vulnerable every day. Because everyone, especially those living with chronic illness, deserves joy and access to a fulfilling, healthy life.

Most recently, residents painted mini pots with succulents to add greenery to rooms. William was proud of the pot he decorated for his new plant roommate!

Resident Diane was in awe to meet Johnny Depp at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum on one of the group’s recent outings.

Stay tuned for more updates on activities at Peter Claver Community, including a visit to the California Academy of Sciences and horseback riding on the beach next month!