Rogerson Communities today announced the receipt of a $10,000 award from The Boston Foundation in support of enhancing exercise and increasing socialization at its Joy Street Residence on Beacon Hill. 

The grant was awarded by The Boston Foundation’s Equality Fund, which works to advance the equitable treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families and support nonprofit organizations in the Boston area that serve and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community. The Joy Street Residence, a sober and drug-free independent living residence with supportive services for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS, was developed by Rogerson in partnership with Fenway Health (formerly AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts). Today, Joy Street Residence houses 21 people, ranging from 29 to 75 years old, many of whom identify as LGBTQIA+. 

Funds from the award will be directed toward a full refurbishing of the community’s exercise room, which has not been updated in 30 years. Planned improvements include replacing its carpet with rubber flooring and replacing its outdated exercise equipment, which is currently residential-grade, with new, commercial-grade machines. Support for these improvements has also been provided by the Beacon Hill Civic Association. 

“The health status of underserved adults living with HIV/AIDS represents an added layer to already difficult challenges, including social stigma and the need for supportive services,” said Walter Ramos, Rogerson President and CEO. “The exercise room at the Joy Street community represents an important support for these residents’ health and well-being.” 

“This grant reflects the Equality Fund’s commitment to ensuring LGBTQIA+ individuals living with HIV/AIDS have access to the resources that support both their physical health and their sense of community,” said M. Scott Knox, Executive Director of the Equality Fund at The Boston Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with Rogerson Communities to help make that possible at the Joy Street Residence.”