Local Contractor Renovates Home For HIV-Infected Men

Rochester, New York - April 11, 2007 - Jeffrey Medford, owner of Vision Construction and Renovation, has renovated a seven-bedroom house for men diagnosed with HIV. The Victory House, located at 32 Oakman Street, is a two-story, 3,000 sf brick house that Medford bought from the city three years ago.

A native of Harlem, New York, Medford was inspired to create a sanctuary when his aunt passed from AIDS in 2005. He also drew from the experiences of an HIV-infected male customer who frequented his barbershop in Harlem. With these experiences, part of Medford’s mission statement is to enhance the quality of life by empowering the residents of The Victory House with knowledge, education, and a strong sense of love, respect and camaraderie amongst men.

Medford charges the residents a nominal monthly rent while providing a tranquil environment. The home is painted a vibrant red with yellow trim, decorated in an African-inspired décor and framed prints of positive affirmations. There is a rec room with a billiard table and juke box, and a gym with nautilus equipment. Medford has created this opportunity through a dedicated grassroots effort, funding the project out-of-pocket and with donations of food, furniture and appliances from churches and businesses. He is building support strategies with agencies and organizations to serve the residents’ mental and physical conditions. Since its opening in November, The Victory House is occupied by three residents.

The New York State Health Department estimates that there are about 900 African Americans in the Rochester Ryan White Region (which includes Monroe, Chemung, Livingston, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties) who are living with HIV or AIDS. The Monroe County Department of Public Health estimates that approximately 70% of African Americans newly diagnosed with HIV in Monroe County each year are males.

To schedule a tour or for further information on The Victory House, contact Felicia Coley at 319-5058.

Rehabilitated Home is Now a Haven of Affordable Housing and Healing

Vision Construction and Renovation
32 Oakman Street
Rochester, NY 14605-1133
Felicia Coley
(585) 319-5058
bncouraged@yahoo.com

This release was published on openPR.