Two organizations known for fighting the dual epidemics of HIV and homelessness are joining forces. Bailey House is merging into Housing Works, according to a Housing Works press release and related follow-up with POZ. The merger is expected to be completed within six months.

Currently, Bailey House provides supportive housing and services for marginalized New Yorkers living with HIV as well as other chronic and behavioral health conditions. Housing Works provides similar services for the HIV community, but it is also a federally qualified health center. It’s also known for its bookstores, cafés and thrift shops.

The merger will create a new housing development enterprise that will retain the Baily House name. The Housing Works brands will continue to operate under their original names.

According to the press release, the merger will expand access to services for clients in both organizations. For example, people in Bailey House’s behavioral health program in East Harlem will soon have access to Housing Works’ health center.

Daniel W. Tietz, the CEO of Bailey House, will retain that title throughout the merger process. Charles King, cofounder and CEO of Housing Works, will remain as the organization’s CEO. Similarly, Matthew Bernardo will remain as COO of Housing Works.

“We’re very excited about merging with Housing Works,” said Tietz in the press release. “As the first organization in the country to address homelessness among people with HIV/AIDS, Bailey House has long recognized that housing is health care. This partnership provides us the opportunity to jointly develop new ground-up supportive and affordable housing under the Bailey House brand. Together, we will help more low-income New Yorkers achieve the best possible health by expanding housing, health care and behavioral health services.”

“The merger will bring renewed focus to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York by 2020,” added Bernardo. “With new housing resources and improved access to primary care and mental health services, the combined entity will broaden its nonjudgmental, wraparound care model to more communities in need.”

“Gina Quattrochi was a dynamic and creative force in the response to the AIDS crisis,” noted King, referencing the longtime Bailey House leader who died in 2016. “This pairing builds on her legacy of vigorous advocacy on behalf of New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and continues the evolution of the Bailey House mission.”