In a move honoring both a critical piece of healthcare history and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Portland's Juniper House has been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places as of February 10, 2025. As reported by Oregon's State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP), Juniper House is now recognized for its vital role as Oregon's first end-of-life care home for individuals with HIV/AIDS and its profound influence on healthcare and LGBTQ+ history in the state.
The Juniper House was founded in 1987 by John Trevitts, Doug Foland, and Jan Weyeneth, who transformed a single-family residence, dating back to 1902 into a sanctuary for those in their final stages of life during the HIV/AIDS crisis. At a time when the stigma around the disease was high, the founders carefully maintained the building's exterior to protect the safety and privacy, of residents. The home operated until September 1989 and provided much-needed care and comfort to roughly 90 individuals grappling with HIV/AIDS.
More than just a care facility, Juniper House became a beacon of advocacy, working tirelessly to reshape public opinion about HIV/AIDS through educational efforts. It invited the press and local news organizations, like KGW-TV and Oregon Public Broadcasting, to share its story, significantly contributing to the destigmatization of the disease.
Juniper House's historic recognition is a part of the City of Portland's LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project. Funded by the National Park Service, an Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Heritage Grant, and the Portland City Council; this initiative falls in line with objectives highlighted in the 2024-2033 Oregon Preservation Plan. The plan advocates for the diversification of the state's historic resources and the amplification of voices from historically marginalized communities.
