Hands on Hartford
Peter’s Retreat
c/o 330 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone (860) 247-4140
Fax (860) 247-5177
www.handsonhartford.org
info@handsonhartford.org
Program
Peter’s Retreat, a program of Hands on Hartford, is a twenty-six bed congregate supported residence located in Hartford, as well as a scattered site supportive housing program serving formerly homeless individuals and families.
Mission/Philosophy
Peter’s Retreat works to assist homeless men and women living with HIV/AIDS. Peter’s Retreat believes housing is fundamental to better health. Peter’s Retreat employs a harm reduction philosophy for serving substance users that is non-judgmental and rich in support. It is based on the belief that people with addictions are competent and capable of making positive changes in their lives. The goal of each staff member and each community member is to support the efforts of each resident in leading a healthier life.
Background
Peter’s Retreat is part of a larger social service organization called Hands on Hartford, Inc., which has been providing services to persons in need since 1967 and housing services to persons living with HIV/AIDS since 1988. Peter’s Retreat congregate program opened its doors in 1994. In addition to providing direct services, Hands on Hartford, an affiliate of the national organization Hands on Network, provides a myriad of volunteer opportunities to the community.
Population Served
Peter’s Retreat serves adults living with HIV/AIDS. Active substance users may be admitted provided they wish to make changes in their lives that will improve their health. The scattered site housing program serves adults living with HIV/AIDS and also families who are in need of rental assistance and support services to obtain and maintain safe and affordable housing.
Services Provided
Peter’s Retreat provides intensive case management services, meals, support groups, recreational and education activities, financial management assistance, transportation, and supportive counseling. The program is staffed 24 hours a day and offers hospice care on an as needed basis. Some residents come to Peter’s Retreat with the need and desire to remain in the congregate program on a permanent basis. Others engage in services to stabilize their lives with the intent to transition out into other supportive living arrangements. This process is highly individualized and the time frames are flexible.
Additional Features
The congregate program offers wheelchair ramp; handicapped accessible bathrooms; formal gardens; library; exercise room; computer room.