Housing is Healthcare
In order to fight HIV we have to also fight homelessness. Housing status has more impact on health outcomes than demographics, drug & alcohol use, and mental health status.
Though this video was filmed in Oregon, we face the same challenges here in the Carolinas.
Being Stably Housed is positively Associated with:
- Effective Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)
- Viral Suppression
- Lack of Co-Infection with Hepatitis C or Tuberculosis
- Significant reductions in Avoidable Emergency and Acute Health Care
- Reduced Mortality
To obtain and benefit from life-saving HIV treatments, People living with HIV MUST have safe, stable housing.
Those with stable housing are much more likely to access health services, attend primary care visits, consistently take their anti-viral meds and receive ongoing care.
CCP and HOPWA:
Since we know that positive health outcomes are closely correlated with housing, it’s a priority for us to provide it. Carolinas Care Partnership distributes funding throughout the community for the HUD Funded, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA). Distributing funding allows us to provide a continuum of care that provides services and programs for low-income people and families living with HIV.
Demographics:
ALL of our housing clients are low-income, meaning they make 80% or less of the area median income. And 91% of our clients are people of color.
How HOPWA Impacts Our community
"I have had clients say that they are very grateful and glad to know about the HOPWA program. They are excited about getting help with housing and other services they had no information on, which can sometimes be a challenge while dealing with their diagnosis and trying to stay sober." - Residential Counselor
“The clients I serve are excited about the HOPWA program. I’ve been happy to provide them with resources to accommodate their needs and make a difference in their lives.” - Clinical Counselor
