Where You Live Matters: The Impact of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program
Abstract
Within the thirteen (13) county region of the GA Department of Public Health, North Central Health District, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) facilitates access to housing resources for eligible clients. Funded and delivered via a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local agencies, the importance of the HOPWA program lies in its role in preventing homelessness among vulnerable populations, promoting health equity, and enabling individuals to access necessary healthcare and support services. Without the HOPWA Program, many individuals and families could face increased risks of homelessness and deteriorating health conditions.
Through our Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, we were able to assist 77 households during the 2023-2024 grant year. The housing team transitioned 13 participants to permanent housing and enrolled thirty (30) new participants, including five from unhealthy living conditions. Our housing resource and referral specialist connected 185 participants to additional services while documenting their clinical outcomes. The program has achieved an 89.6% increase in viral load suppression among participants, supported by regular medical check-ups, access to medication, and mental health services.
Services for this program are federally funded, and the HOPE Center received the highest award in Georgia at $963,956 last year. For the upcoming fiscal year, the HOPE Center has been awarded $1.15 million; thus, allowing for expansion of services and support of new initiatives developed.
Without HOPWA programmatic funding, several significant challenges for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly those who are low-income, would not be addressed in the clinical setting. The most immediate consequence would be the possibility of an increase in homelessness among this vulnerable population. Additionally, the absence of HOPWA would mean a reduction in supportive services that help individuals navigate their healthcare options, access essential medical care, and receive other necessary social services.
Keywords
• HOPWA Program, health equity, healthcare access, support services, viral load suppression
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Where You Live Matters: The Impact of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program
Within the thirteen (13) county region of the GA Department of Public Health, North Central Health District, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) facilitates access to housing resources for eligible clients. Funded and delivered via a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local agencies, the importance of the HOPWA program lies in its role in preventing homelessness among vulnerable populations, promoting health equity, and enabling individuals to access necessary healthcare and support services. Without the HOPWA Program, many individuals and families could face increased risks of homelessness and deteriorating health conditions.
Through our Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, we were able to assist 77 households during the 2023-2024 grant year. The housing team transitioned 13 participants to permanent housing and enrolled thirty (30) new participants, including five from unhealthy living conditions. Our housing resource and referral specialist connected 185 participants to additional services while documenting their clinical outcomes. The program has achieved an 89.6% increase in viral load suppression among participants, supported by regular medical check-ups, access to medication, and mental health services.
Services for this program are federally funded, and the HOPE Center received the highest award in Georgia at $963,956 last year. For the upcoming fiscal year, the HOPE Center has been awarded $1.15 million; thus, allowing for expansion of services and support of new initiatives developed.
Without HOPWA programmatic funding, several significant challenges for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly those who are low-income, would not be addressed in the clinical setting. The most immediate consequence would be the possibility of an increase in homelessness among this vulnerable population. Additionally, the absence of HOPWA would mean a reduction in supportive services that help individuals navigate their healthcare options, access essential medical care, and receive other necessary social services.
