La Maison de Vie is a unique project in Europe, the brainchild of Princess Stephanie who has been developing it since 2006 with her co-workers. Construction of this Provençal-style complex, which will comply with the latest environmental standards (HQE, insulated walls, solar panels for hot water, heat pump, wastewater treatment), began in the spring of this year and is scheduled to end in the summer of 2010. Once completed, La Maison de Vie will house HIV/AIDS patients so they can rest and regain self-confidence.
La Maison de Vie will offer many patient-centred activities, including psychological support and group workshops.
Located in the town of Carpentras, La Maison de Vie will have a surface area of 1,000m² on 4,500m² grounds. Designed by the architects Fabrice Notari of Monaco and Ysabelle Roustan of Carpentras, it will be built by the Eiffage Group (Eiffage Construction Monaco and Eiffage Immobilier Côte d'Azur). This non-medicalized establishment will comprise two structures, one of which will provide accommodation. The first building will be dedicated to the reception area and administrative offices as well as a restaurant. The second will have eight private rooms, ten double rooms and ten rooms with kitchenettes and a children's dormitory.
The establishment will include a double refectory, a double lounge, a multipurpose room, an infirmary and a laundry room.
La Maison de Vie will be able to accommodate approximately 28 people and will be accessible for persons with reduced mobility. Applications for residency will be examined by a committee made up of Fight Aids Monaco members, including a physician.
The purpose of Fight Aids Monaco is to support AIDS patients and their families through psychological or material aid.
FAM contributes to prevention by communicating information on the risks of HIV/AIDS. Various initiatives are organized in secondary schools, universities and night shelters.
The Association also undertakes information campaigns with the public at large, relayed in the local and regional press.
FAM is present abroad where it supports the work of NGOs in Madagascar and Burundi in cooperation with Monaco's Office of International Cooperation and AMADE International.
Princess Stephanie, Chairperson and Founder of Fight Aids Monaco (2004), was appointed UNAIDS Special Representative in 2006.
