Clare House
Clare House became the fifth care home in the twin cities to provide housing and care to disabled persons with HIV/AIDS. Taking its name from Saint Clare of Assisi, Clare House was the first home for people with HIV/AIDS to open in Ramsey County. The home opened on October 7, 1996.
The vision for Clare House began in the mid-1990's, when Sister Kate Manahan predicted that homelessness and lack of supportive services in the late stages of HIV disease would become a major problem in our community. Sister Kate began working with Sister Joanne Lucid, of the Archdiocesan AIDS Ministry, to define the need and develop a response. Their research determined that the need would be far greater than the space that one more home could provide. In response, the organization was incorporated as Clare Housing rather than Clare House, always aiming to be "more than just one house."
The energy of a committed group of volunteers, including the tireless Kathy Hanousek, helped bring Sister Kate's vision to fruition. It took three years to secure the funding, find a home, and renovate the building.
Opened just prior to the use of protease inhibitor class of HIV medications, Clare House cared for several end-stage residents in those early months (prior to seeing some medical stabilization occur for the next wave of residents). One of the first residents who lived and died in the home was Fred Winter, the brother of Nancy Winter, who became a vital supporter, hosting a mini-golf fundraising event for numerous years after her brother's death.
Carol Roeller was hired as the agency's first executive director and Sue Neisen served as the home's first care director. Father John Estrem served as the board president in those early years with Kathy Hanousek as vice president. Jim Maurer, current manager of Park House and a tireless AIDS justice worker, also served on the board in those early years. John Slettom led the charge to locate the property and former board member, Paul Mellblom, served as the architect. Lead funding was provided by the Sisters of St. Francis in Rochester and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA).
The home has received support from hundreds of people over the years, helping to ensure that the home continues to provide the healing atmosphere that was envisioned so long ago. Recent projects have included an expansion of the garden, new fencing, and the addition of a fountain in the backyard.
Starr Emery currently serves as the Lead Caregiver of the home.
