Barrett House is Toronto's first residential care facility for people living with HIV/AIDS. Barrett House is a residence, not a hospice. It provides a dignified, caring and homelike environment for persons living with HIV/AIDS who require ongoing care. The goal of Barrett House is to offer residents a supporting, caring and secure environment - a "family". In 1986, the AIDS crisis was causing bewilderment, fear and suffering in Toronto. Those who were fighting for their lives used up their financial resources in their battle with AIDS, then found themselves ill and homeless. In response to this crisis, the Brothers of the Good Shepherd established Barrett House. When it opened in October 1986, Barrett House was Torontos first supportive housing residence for people living with HIV and AIDS. Barrett House provides a dignified, caring and homelike environment for persons living with HIV and AIDS who require ongoing care. RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Barrett House is dedicated to giving one-on-one attention to each of its residents. Volunteers and friends also tend to the residents emotional, psychological and physical needs.