End homelessness for every DC resident living with HIV/AIDS! With a total annual investment of $3.75 million, Mayor Gray could end homelessness for every person with HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia.

DC is in the midst of a severe HIV/AIDS epidemic and housing reduces mortality rates by 80%. While many advances have been made in treating the disease and in preventing transmission, studies show that homelessness both decreases good health outcomes dramatically and increases transmission rates (due to increase in sex trade, sexual violence and needle sharing practices on the street). No DC resident with HIV/AIDS should experience homelessness.

In 2012, 131 single adults and 24 adults in families were identified as homeless and living with HIV/AIDS. (Due to under- reporting, these numbers are likely unrepresentative of the actual need.) Those who have HIV/AIDS and need permanent supportive housing should be served by the DHS Housing First program. The rest should be served by a set-aside appropriation to the Local Rent Supplement Program.

Program breakdown:

~ Housing First — $1.25 million (50 households served with housing and supportive services)
~ Tenant-based Local Rent Supplement Program — $2.5 million (200 households served with vouchers)

For more information on this campaign, see the Fair Budget Coalition’s Recommendations HERE.

Ready to get involved?? Contact us at info@campaigntoendaids.org!