Housing Works staff had the pleasure of introducing royalty to their clients this morning when Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway stopped into Cylar House for a visit.
//www.flickr.com/photos/housingworks/sets/72157625142408169/show/”>[See pictures]
As Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, //www.unaids.org/en/Partnerships/Advocacy+partners/SpecRep/UNAIDS_SpecialRep_Princess+MetteMarit.asp”>Princess Mette-Marit focuses her work on HIV advocacy, education, testing and treatment access. She’s traveled to Malawi and Nicaragua—among other places—to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. This week she’s in New York to learn about HIV/AIDS programs here.
At Cylar House, a residential facility with in-house health care for HIV-positive New Yorkers, she met with two residents, David Peterson and Fran Montello, both of whom have overcome drug addictions. Her highness also had a sit-down with Montello’s puppy—who happens to be called Princess.
“We really have a lot of different people who come through Housing Works’ doors,” said Montello. “Because we are a //www.housingworks.org/services/prevention/harm-reduction/”>harm reduction organization, we accept people where they are. There’s not too many places like that. And I love that the princess appreciates it, too.”
