Housing needs of persons with hiv and aids in new york state

Objective: To understand the scope and magnitude of housing needs among persons with HIV/AIDS in New York State. Design: Both housing providers and non-housing providers were identified through state-wide lists and regional resource guides. All identified housing providers and a random sample of identified non-housing providers, by region, were approached. Interviewers conducted telephone interviews with qualified representatives from each organization. Respondents: All major providers of HIV/AIDS housing services (n = 144) and a random sample of other providers of HIV/AIDS services (n = 87) were interviewed. Variables Under Study: Data that were gathered included: agency profiles, client demographics, and clients' need for and use of housing services. Results: One-third of housing agency clients were either homeless or living in a welfare hotel, while one-tenth of non-housing agency clients lived under such conditions. Nearly one-third of all clients were living doubled-up, and half had problems paying for rent or utilities. The majority of clients required supportive services such as substance abuse treatment or mental health care. Conclusions: With the advent of protease inhibitor therapy, stable and adequate housing has become especially critical for persons with HIV/AIDS. However, public assistance “reforms” are likely to exacerbate their housing needs, and may ultimately compromise the potential benefits of treatment.