An entire generation has now been born that has never known as AIDS-free world.
- AIDS Update 2007; Gerald Stine
Our History
June 5, 1981: A new disease was first recognized, the causative agent was unknown.
1983: AIDS cases had turned up in 28 nations.
1985: A nine year old hemophiliac with AIDS named Ryan White was barred from attending school out of fear of causal transmission.Ryan White became the symbol of the intolerance that was widely inflicted upon people with AIDS. 1987: AZT is the first drug approved to treat AIDS. 1990: The Ryan White CARE Act was established by Congress to help those with HIV who lacked adequate insurance coverage. June 6, 1990: Eric Johnson, the son of Bill and Ann Johnson of Morristown, NJ died of the disease at the age of 32. Eric had the full support of his family, something that is not a reality for many persons living with HIV/AIDS. 1991: In response, the AIDS Residence Coalition of Morris County was established and held the first ever Morris County AIDS Walkathon to begin raising funds for the creation of The Eric Johnson House.
May 1992: The AIDS Residence Coalition of Morris County was incorporated as a private non-profit and continued to hold fundraising events in support of creating a safe haven for those people in need of housing, as well as supportive services, who are homeless as a result of, or adjunct to, their HIV/AIDS status.
February 21, 1993: Morristown Councilman writes editorial on "Why HIV carriers shouldn't march in AIDS Walkathon" creating public outcry against his bigotry and ignorance. 1994: AIDS is the leading cause of death for all Americans between the ages of 25 - 44. October 19, 1994: The first three residents moved into The Eric Johnson House. March 1995: The Eric Johnson House received its first Ryan White Title I grant to provide additional supportive services to PLWHA. 1995/1996: Protease Inhibitors were introduced by the FDA to be used in combination with other HIV medications; the first "HIV cocktails" were prescribed. October 26, 1997: Deborah Fennelly performed her first benefit concert for The Eric Johnson House at the Church of the Redeemer. March 2, 1998: The 50th resident moved into The Eric Johnson House. 2000: 15 Eric Johnson House residents had passed away from HIV/AIDS. May 7, 2000: The 10th Annual Morris County AIDS Walkathon was held raising over $50,000 for the operation of The Eric Johnson House. May 13, 2002: The 100th resident moved into The Eric Johnson House. September 27 - 29, 2002: The first annual NJ Ride Against AIDS took place.A 250 mile, 3-day bike ride from High Point to Cape May, benefiting NJ AIDS charities - including The Eric Johnson House. 2004: The Eric Johnson House was awarded six Shelter + Care housing vouchers to provide long-term permanent housing to residents transitioning into independence. October 8, 2004: The first Annual Fundraising Golf Classic took place at the Wild Turkey Golf Club. October 24, 2004: The Eric Johnson House celebrated 10 years of service to the HIV/AIDS community.The Church of the Redeemer was honored at the annual Dinner Dance. October 28, 2005: The 150th resident moved into The Eric Johnson House. 2007: The Eric Johnson House was awarded 10 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance vouchers from the NJ State rental Assistance Transitional Housing Graduate set-aside. September 28 - 30, 2007: Executive Director, Laurie Litt-Robbins, participates in the NJ Ride Against AIDS, riding her bicycle 250 miles in 3 days from High Point to Cape May.