Housing for PLWAs……

By Tyrone Hall, a Vienna Youth Force Youth Journalist, a Graduate Student at Clark University, USA

The discussion about HIV and AIDS often surrounds prevention despite the acute need for the provision of social services etcetera for those infected and affected by the disease.
Housing Works Inc, the largest non-profit AIDS advocacy organization is changing that pattern. Housing Works Inc which is based in New York seeks to provide comfortable and affordable housing solutions and medical care to PLWAs. The entity reaches more than 1 700 new clients each year and is poised to expand its services by dialoging here at the AIDS 2010 conference in Vienna, Austria.

Unlike most non-profits, Housing Works’ agenda isn’t dictated by grant providers, it is a progressive and self-sufficient entity. Housing Works Inc. owns a range of highly profitable businesses- thrift stores, building management and maintenance stores, medical facilities, as well as, a catering company and a book store. Amazingly too, ALL profits go towards Housing Works’ projects…so patrons who keep the multi-million dollar thrift stores abuzz should feel a sense of pride.

Housing Works’ has a young and vibrant staff too. Tree Alexander, a 24 year old Therapy Specialist, is one such staff member. Tree is excited about the work he does with Housing Works. He says “ I’m a nurturer by nature …I get to work with people and see things change…it is outside of the prevention side where you give people information and never see them again…you get to see people actually reach their goals.”

The enigmatic Tree Alexander works with individuals who are living with HIV and other disabilities (cancer, TB etc.). The youngster helps his clients to build a relationship with medical providers and to deal with their condition mentally, emotionally and physically. Tree says many of his clients have little to no access to care; many are positive and are also new residents in the areas where the organization operates.

Housing Works Inc. also operate in Washington DC, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and Haiti.