Homeless Populations
Updated May 2005
While it is impossible to obtain exact numbers on the homeless population
in the United States, the National Coalition for the Homeless estimates
that about 3.5 million individuals are likely to experience homelessness
in a given year. A largely stigmatized and ignored population within
the U.S., the homeless are exposed to several health conditions
that place them at risk for HIV including increased susceptibility
to chronic illnesses, malnutrition, and trauma. The lack of housing
and support also increases their likelihood to engage in risky behaviors
such as substance abuse and sexual exploitation. According to AIDS
Housing of Washington, as reported by the National AIDS Housing
Coalition (NAHC), approximately one-third to one-half of those living
with HIV/AIDS are homeless or at the risk of being homeless due
to social and economic factors at hand. Homeless individuals, because
of systemic barriers to necessary health care, more frequently run
the risk of contracting infectious diseases, most of which remain
untreated as a result of little/no health insurance and lacking
social stability. Often homeless populations combating HIV/AIDS
will not seek treatment or preventative services due to a lack of
awareness and societal attitudes opposed to homeless outreach and
care.
Organizations
Health Care for the Homeless Information Resource Center
The goal of the HCH program is to improve health status and outcomes for homeless individuals and families by improving access to health care and substance abuse services. The Information Resource Center contains excellent resources and documents, including bibliographies, organizations, a video library, and publications.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/aidshousing/programs/index.cfm
HOPWA was established by HUD in order to address the specific needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. HOPWA makes grants to local communities, states, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Housing Works
Housing Works is a minority-controlled, community-based, nonprofit corporation providing housing, health care, advocacy, job training, and vital supportive services to homeless New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. Housing Works is dedicated to developing and refining a self-sustaining model of housing, serving, and advocating for homeless people with AIDS and HIV. This site contains information on programs, links, and information on Housing Works Thrift Shops and Used Book Café.
National AIDS Housing Coalition
The National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC) is a coalition of AIDS housing providers, consumers, and advocates working collectively and collaboratively with each other to advance the development, management, and growth of housing programs for people living with HIV/AIDS.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a non-profit organization that mobilizes nonprofit, public and private sectors in an alliance to end homelessness. The Alliance represents a united effort to address the root causes of homelessness and challenge society's acceptance of homelessness as an inevitable by-product of American life. One of these issues is the impact of HIV and AIDS on our communities and its impact of growing concern for housing providers, policy makers, and advocates across the country.
National Coalition for the Homeless
The mission of NCH is to end homelessness by engaging in public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. NCH focuses their work in housing justice, economic justice, health care justice, and civil rights.
Publications
Connor A. "Encouraging HIV Risk-Reduction Behaviors and Testing with People Experiencing Homelessness." J Nurs Educ . 2003 Mar 42(3): 138-41.
Culhane DP, Gollub EL. "Connections between AIDS and Homelessness."
LDI (Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics) Issue Brief. 2001 Jun 6(9): 1-4.
Ebner DL, Laviage MM. "The Parallel Universe of Homeless and HIV-Positive Youth." Semin Pediatr Infect Dis. 2003 Jan 14(1): 32-7.
“How Many People Experience Homelessness.” National Coalition for the Homeless. NCH Fact Sheet #2. Washington , DC . September 2002.
‘Homelessness & HIV/AIDS' AHW Fact Sheet. AIDS Housing of Washington. Seattle, WA . Spring 2003.
Linn JG, Neff JA, Theriot R, Harris JL, Interrante J, Graham ME. "Reaching Impaired Populations with HIV Prevention Programs: a Clinical Trial for Homeless Mentally Ill African-American Men." Cell Mol Biol. 2003 Nov 49(7): 1167-75.
Pollack, D. National Evaluation of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA). DIANE Publishers. 2001.