ABC’s permanent supportive housing program seeks to lighten the burdens borne by families weakened by chronic illness, crushing poverty, and homelessness by offering families with children living with HIV/AIDS bright, sunny, permanent apartments along with critical supportive services that include access to the Keith Haring School on-site, as well as case management, psychiatric, educational, and recreational services. By combining a NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development forgivable loan and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, the ABC Supportive Housing Program created the first replicable model for permanent, supportive housing for homeless families living with HIV/AIDS. Within these walls, families find refuge and can rebuild their lives with dignity, appropriate medical care, and the hope of a brighter future.

myriam’s story

“I was born in ABC and raised out of it. My kind, hard-working, and tenacious mom moved from Cote d'Ivoire, located in West Africa, to New York to pursue better opportunities for herself and her family. When I was one, though, she found herself living in substandard housing. That’s when we became connected to ABC. We moved to ABC’s facilities, which is a community defined by togetherness. I went to the ABC preschool in the building (Keith Haring School). I was well connected with everyone -- we would have paint nights, sports games, and cultural nights where I got to share things about my culture. As I grew, I went to ABC’s youth services programs, where I received academic support, developed my digital literacy, and even learned how to code at a young age! We’ve loved everything about ABC and the support it's given us. Say the name ‘Gretchen Buchenholz’ to my mom, and she will start singing her praises immediately! Because of ABC, Gretchen, and my mother’s grit, I grew up with a passion for service. I entered the Navy recently, and I am currently receiving training. Already, it’s expanded my mind a lot and reaffirmed my commitment to public service. I’m three semesters away from finishing college as well. I will move the world with service to others in various ways, inshallah.”

Myriam Coulibaly grew up in ABC’s Housing Facilities, attended the Keith Haring School, and participated in ABC Youth Programs growing up. Myriam, we are so proud that you decided to serve our nation by joining the Navy.