Neighbors, community gather for AIDS home's open house

Chapel Hill Herald, Jan. 23, 1995

By SUSAN BROILI

CARRBORO -- Throngs of people literally created a warm reception on a cold Sunday afternoon for the AIDS Service Agency of Orange County's open house.

Cars lined both sides of North Greensboro Street for several blocks as neighbors, agency members and supporters came to see what had taken three years to realize: a home for people who have AIDS.

"There was such a need. I never really lost hope that it would be built some day," Agency President Joe Herzenberg said.

In about two weeks, the first residents are expected to move into the one-story brick house at 1700 N. Greensboro St., according to Herzenberg.

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"They've done a wonderful job. They've managed to make what could have been a clinical environment very homey," Mike Nelson said. He helped during the fall fundraiser at Crooks Corner which raised $25,000, according to Nelson.

For many of the residents, it will mean a roof over their heads rather than sleeping on the streets and in cars.

"If you're too sick to work and you don't have the support of family, it's awfully hard to pay rent and buy food," Nelson said.

"We probably need 10 homes," he added.