HIV/AIDS Related Programs

For Homeless Individuals and Families

"Stability in a home has 100% to do with physical and mental health, your outlook on life. It all starts with the house... With people to reach out to, people who care, I in turn learned how to care. We have a functioning family now."
(read Rosa's Story)

Long Island has more AIDS cases than any other suburban community in the U.S. Options began to serve people living with HIV/AIDS in 1994. A provider of Medicaid Case Management and housing services, Options now operates the largest program of its kind on Long Island, serving more than 500 affected residents annually. Offices in Hempstead and Smithtown enable us to assist low-income individuals and families throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAID CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES (COBRA)

This service is for single men and women as well as families who live with HIV or AIDS or are at risk, are Medicaid eligible, and are in need of intensive case management to access comprehensive health care.

While Options serves men and women without bias, many of those helped are mothers with two or more young children. Often unemployed due to disability, they are at high risk of falling into a downward spiral of health problems, isolation and homelessness.

Options responds to complex needs by providing family-centered services that vary according to the individual's need and preference. The program fosters self-reliance, economic independence and optimal health. Every program participant collaborates with the case manager to design a plan with specific goals.

Through home visits and coordination of services with dozens of agencies, Options' staff does everything from managing crisis situations to helping with family relationships, finding childcare, and providing transportation.

Clients are helped to:

Develop better parenting and daily living skills
Care for themselves and their families
Connect with substance abuse programs and counseling
Build support networks
Access medical treatment and medications
Identify available financial resources and benefits
Find suitable employment training

HOUSING SERVICES

It is notoriously expensive to purchase or rent a place to live on Long Island. Few affordable options are available to those with low incomes. For families or individuals struggling to pay the rent, a serious illness or disability can easily lead to eviction and homelessness.

Stable housing is essential for families trying to improve health and medical care. Options provides financial assistance (rent, utilities, security deposits, brokers' fees); helps with locating affordable housing; and operates a permanent housing program for low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.

Permanent housing sites are thoroughly renovated to meet Options' high standards. Residents pay an affordable rent based on income. Housing success is backed by services that help people with HIV/AIDS and their families build stable, healthy lives.

HIV/AIDS COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Each year an Options specialist reaches more than 500 homeless individuals living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS in the street or at shelters, motels, soup kitchens and train stations. They are linked with support services including medical care, education, community resources and housing placement.

People served:

Low-income Suffolk and Nassau County residents who are HIV positive, have AIDS or are at risk of HIV/AIDS are eligible for the program.

Financial support:

Reimbursement is through Medicaid.

Measuring success:

Click here to read about our results.