About AHAT
History
AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma (AHAT) was founded in 1989. With the assistance of members of Christ Church Episcopal of Tacoma and other community volunteers, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation was formed to provide safe, alternative housing for people with HIV/AIDS in Pierce and Kitsap Counties. The church provided the house for one dollar per year until it was purchased in 2002. The community provides volunteers and donations; other financial support comes from city, state and federal grants.
AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma/Three Cedars has provided special needs-assisted living and housing for almost a hundred HIV/AIDS residents since we opened in June 1990. We remain the only facility of our type from King County to the Oregon border to offer housing and enriched services to HIV/AIDS residents. Today, almost two-thirds of our residents return to community living after stabilizing their health and achieving medical adherence.
Board of Directors (from left to right)
- David J. Britton
- Linsey Hinand (friend of the board)
- Gary Hill, human resources
- Donnie Goodman, president, finance committee
- Carolyn Roseberry
- Diane Soucey, secretary, human resources
- Peggy Armstrong
Staff Biographies
David Strong, executive director of AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma, completed the University of Washington’s certificate programs in Human Service Management and Nonprofit Management. He is a member of the Northwest Development Officers Association and serves on the boards of the Pride Foundation, Multifaith Works, Religious Coalition for Equality and Covenant House Campus Ministry at the University of Washington.
Melody Yerxa, program manager, has been on staff since 2000. She received a B.A. in liberal arts, concentrating in human services, from Evergreen State College. She supervises a staff of six program assistants, as well as provides care management, informal counseling, and systems coordination for all clients. Melody also serves as a domestic violence perpetrator counselor in the community.
Debra Mathis, operations manager, has been with AHAT since 1997. She previously worked as a supervisor in operations and maintenance for the town of Steilacoom. Debra has successfully completed the Supervision & Management Program through Tacoma Community College. She works administratively with the executive director and manages issues related to the three houses.
Janet Post, development / volunteer coordinator has been with AHAT since 2006. Previously she worked at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts as the House Manager / Event Services Assistant. Janet is also an active volunteer for the Pierce County AIDS Foundation. She manages all fundraising and volunteers.