HOUSING ISSUES OF PERSONS WITH AIDS

The housing status of persons with HIV/AIDS is a central issue in thei r care and prognosis. We conducted eight focus groups to explore the h ousing needs of special populations of persons with HIV/AIDS in New Yo rk State; these populations included substance users, ex-offenders, pe rsons with documented histories of homelessness, and rural dwellers/mi grant workers. For the focus groups, 52 participants were recruited fr om the clientele of health and social service agencies. A major theme was the potent effect that housing situations had on participants' hea lth. Participants frequently attributed lowered T-cell counts and incr eased lethargy to the stress associated with governmental rules and pa perwork. Lack of money, inadequacy of entitlements, and high costs of housing were the major barriers to securing stable and appropriate hou sing. Furthermore, participants experienced housing discrimination bas ed on HIV status and experience with the criminal justice system or dr ugs.