Maitri is the only AIDS-specific residential care facility in California focusing on the underserved community of those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS. Fourteen of 15 beds are reserved for HUD-defined low-income people and represent 90% of San Francisco’s non-institutional hospice beds.
Since opening in 1987, Maitri has been the final home for more than 1300 people who lived with AIDS. Maitri maintains a waiting list of between 10 to 14 people at any given time. The non-profit’s mission statement is: “No one should have to suffer or die alone. Maitri provides compassionate residential care to men and women in need of hospice or 24-hour care and cultivates the deepest respect and love for life among its residents and caregivers.”
Current Executive Director Michael Smithwick, who joined Maitri in 2011, will be retiring at the end of the year. Smithwick told the San Francisco Bay Times, “Serving as Maitri’s Executive Director over the last six years has been the most gratifying experience of my life. As I approach retirement at year-end, I now look forward to passing the leadership baton to another.” He is leaving Maitri with a new roof, new HVAC system and financially stable. Maitri staff have told us that they will truly miss his leadership and compassionate spirit.
Please mark your calendar now to join Maitri on Saturday, December 17, 2 pm–5 pm, for their annual Holiday Open House at Maitri where all—supporters, staff, board members, volunteers, residents, neighbors and friends—celebrate the joy of the season in classic Maitri style.
In 2017, Maitri will be celebrating 30 years of service to the poor/homeless with advanced AIDS. On Sunday, May 7, 2017, Maitri will be celebrating its 30th year anniversary at the Golden Gate Club at the Presidio hosted by one of our favorites: San Francisco comedian Marga Gomez. Save the date!
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