Agape Dos
The year was 1998 and the Twin Cities was seeing a rise in the infection rate in the Latino community. In response, the staff and board of Agape Home, along with organizations serving the Latino community at that time (ie: Centro Latino Unidos en Servicio, Central Cultural Chicano and others) determined that they would create an HIV/AIDS foster care home specifically geared to serve Latino people living with HIV/AIDS.
After several attempts were made to purchase a site on the same block as Agape Home, property was eventually located and secured on the corner of 31st Street and Harriet Avenue in Minneapolis, approximately one mile from the original Agape Home. The new home's design and décor was to be created with a Mexican/Caribbean feel. DJR Architects, Inc. was hired for the job.
Agape Dos opened its doors in December of 1999. Its importance in the community was felt immediately, as the house was full within months. Although the home was not able to fulfill its original vision of becoming a home specifically for the Latino community, the design elements utilized to reflect Latino culture created a home with a family-oriented feeling bringing people together. The open floor plan consists of the kitchen, dining and family room dominating the space with a three-sided fireplace tying it all together. This single story design provides numerous gathering areas for residents, staff, volunteers and visiting family members. The caregiver office is just off the kitchen so staff members are close by. The resident's rooms are in a separate wing of the home and have a sitting area just outside – giving residents more social space to gather with other residents, friends and family. The home also has an enclosed backyard which is accessible from both the kitchen and the resident's sitting area, making it easy for people to get outside.
In its ten year history, Agape Dos has served over 38 persons living with HIV/AIDS disease. Being one of the last homes to open here in the Twin Cities (after anti-retroviral medications were introduced allowing people with AIDS to live longer), most of the residents coming into Agape Dos live there for many years. There have been 9 residents who have passed away while residents of the home.
Agape Dos' first executive director was Bob Powers. John Whalen took the reigns in 2000 shortly before Grace House I and II merged with the Agape Homes. Brian Lundequam served as the program director of Agape Dos from December 1999 until June of 2001. Current Clare staff members Kim Langness and Gretchen Briggs have served as lead caregivers at the home. Michael Brey has served as the home's Lead Caregiver since February 2005.
