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The entire mission of Support Ministries is to meet the housing needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 1987, Support Ministries has been the leader in the development and operation of housing and related services for those most in need.
A primary goal is to ensure all persons living with HIV secure a safe, comfortable, affordable level of permanent housing. Recognizing the vast differences among those in need of services, Support Ministries has developed a continuum of care over the years. Five distinct programs are currently available to meet the varying needs of those served.
Studies indicated that one-third to one-half of people living with HIV/AIDS are either already homeless or in imminent danger of losing their homes, with compounding risk factors that include the loss of a job due to illness or discrimination, the draining costs of health care and community stigma.
Remarkable new drug therapies mean that people living with HIV/AIDS are living longer; healthier lives and that the death rates are thankfully dropping across the nation. However, as the number of people living with HIV grows, so too does the critical need for appropriate health care, housing, and support services.
Unfortunately, the newly diagnosed incidences of HIV/AIDS continue to rise. Consequently, with people living longer coupled with newly infected persons the number of people living with AIDS has increased, as has the demand for housing. There is less turn-over in existing housing, exacerbating the housing crisis.
Experts maintain that the affordable and stable hosing provided by Support Ministries is the cornerstone to the effective treatment of HIV/AIDS, increasing access to comprehensive healthcare and adherence to complex drug therapies.
Nationally, 65% of people living with HIV/AIDS cite stable housing as their greatest need next to health care.
While Support Ministries encourages and supports residents in their efforts to achieve a higher level of independence and self-reliance, it is often not possible due to their illness. Residents who are able, attend day treatment programs, vocational training programs, college, GED programs or are gainfully employed. For those who are successful in the developing the skills and resources to move on, assistance in given to help them attain independent housing.
