Our House of Portland provides services in a warm, nurturing home environment. The focus at Our House is on living; living with spirit, with hope, with dignity and with respect and humor. The profile of Our House residents has changed as has the epidemic. Until 1996, virtually every resident died in our facility. With the advent of medical advances, people are now living longer and, for some, healthier lives. Today, approximately 1 out of 4 residents regain their health during their time here. When this happens, Our House staff facilitates the resident’s discharge to a renewed life within the larger community. For those residents who need to remain at Our House, we encourage each person to maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible. If death is imminent, we promise that no one will die alone. We encourage family, partners, and friends to participate in the resident’s final days. When this support system does not exist, Our House volunteers offer support to residents. We embrace the dying process and create a death that is as peaceful as possible. More than a place, Our House of Portland is a community of staff, volunteers, and donors who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to supporting Our House. It is this community that has helped Our House navigate the ever-changing AIDS epidemic. Through Medicaid funds, the State of Oregon has a contract with Our House as a specialized residential care facility. This contract represents approximately 50% of our expenses. The other 50% comes from our loyal donors. Their donations go directly to resident care. This is possible because we have an exceptional volunteer program. Each month approximately 120 volunteers support this 12-bed facility. Our House volunteers serve as cooks, receptionists, gardeners, companions, acupuncturists, massage therapists, maintenance workers, and laundry helpers. Their combined support represents the work of six full-time staff.