Newsletter Archive

Welcome to the Van Ness Recovery House Newsletter Archive. Here, you’ll find a collection of stories, updates, and moments that reflect the heart of our community. Each newsletter offers a window into the life-changing work happening at the House—from program highlights and resident milestones to events, partnerships, and the progress of our capital campaign. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, an alum, or someone learning about VNRH for the first time, we invite you to explore our history, celebrate our successes, and stay connected to the mission that has guided us for more than 50 years. Our story is still being written, and we’re grateful you’re part of it.
World AIDS Day - December 1 - Putting Ourselves to the test - Achieving Equity to end HIV.

World AIDS Day 2025 — VNRH Remembers. We Stand. We Continue the Fight.

VNRH honors World AIDS Day 2025 by remembering the lives lost to HIV/AIDS and reaffirming its decades-long commitment to those living with the virus. From the earliest days of the epidemic, VNRH stood alone as the first recovery home in Los Angeles to welcome people with HIV/AIDS, demonstrating unwavering compassion through immense loss and community need. This year, VNRH is honored to be named a beneficiary of AHF’s World AIDS Day efforts in Los Angeles County. Supporters are invited to make a matched donation—dollar for dollar up to $20,000—helping fund housing, counseling, and lifesaving support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery.

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Save The Date!!!

VNRH invites supporters to Sleigh All Day, a festive holiday fundraiser on December 7 celebrating community, connection, and the life-changing work of the House. The event honors Tim Sullivan with the Legacy Award and Jose Ramos as Outstanding Community Partner. Supporters who cannot attend are encouraged to give online, with every donation matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 through AHF’s World AIDS Month match. The message highlights the opportunity to double the impact of each gift and help advance the Capital Campaign, strengthening VNRH’s mission of hope, healing, and recovery during the holiday season.

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Group shot of people

Strength, Support, and Progress

VNRH celebrates an extraordinary achievement as the Alumni and Friends Spartan Team surpasses their fundraising goal, raising an unprecedented $55,000 through 75 days of training, unity, and service. On September 20, the team completed the Spartan Race at Angel Stadium, demonstrating powerful resilience and representing the strength of the recovery community. The update also highlights major renovation progress: the kitchen is nearing completion, and thanks to Spartan fundraising efforts, work will soon begin on the final restroom remodel. With each project, the House becomes a more welcoming, dignified space for healing. Throughout, VNRH honors community support, collective effort, and the spirit of recovery.

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Recovery is Real. Recovery is Worth It.

September honors National Recovery Month, highlighting the role of service in sustaining long-term sobriety and strengthening the recovery community. VNRH reflects on how mentorship, fellowship, and daily acts of kindness deepen both personal healing and collective resilience. The Story of Inspiration spotlights RJ, who first arrived at the House in 1986 and has maintained nearly four decades of sobriety through surrender, spiritual connection, and a lifelong commitment to service—including leadership on the Board of Directors and participation in the Spartan Race. The update also shares the team’s final preparations for the September 20 race, inviting supporters to contribute and help fuel VNRH’s mission.

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