Housing Works

Housing Works Cafe and Bookstore in SoHo, New York City

Housing Works is a non-profit organization based in New York City that provides a variety of services to homeless and low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Established in the early 1990s, Housing Works has grown to become one of the largest community-based AIDS service organizations in the United States, particularly noted for its integrated approach to fighting the twin crises of homelessness and AIDS through advocacy, provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain its efforts.

History

Housing Works was founded in 1990 by members of ACT UP, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, who were committed to direct action to address the AIDS crisis. They recognized early on that stable housing was a critical determinant of health outcomes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The founders envisioned an organization that would not only provide housing but also healthcare, job training, and legal assistance to its clients.

Services

Housing Works offers a comprehensive array of services aimed at empowering its clients and improving their quality of life. These services include:

• Healthcare Services: Housing Works operates healthcare centers that provide HIV/AIDS care, primary care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. These centers adopt a holistic approach to treatment, recognizing the complex needs of their clients.

• Housing: The organization provides both transitional and permanent housing solutions for homeless and low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Housing Works understands that stable housing is a cornerstone of effective HIV/AIDS treatment.

• Job Training and Employment Services: Recognizing the importance of economic independence, Housing Works offers job training programs and employment services to help clients re-enter the workforce or improve their employment situation.

• Legal Services: Housing Works provides legal assistance to its clients, including help with discrimination cases, immigration issues, and access to public benefits.

• Advocacy: A key component of Housing Works' mission is its commitment to advocacy for policies that ensure the rights and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS. The organization is active in local, state, and national advocacy efforts.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Housing Works has developed several entrepreneurial ventures to fund its programs and services. These include a chain of thrift shops located throughout New York City and a used book café. These businesses not only provide a significant portion of the organization's revenue but also offer employment opportunities to Housing Works' clients.

Impact

Housing Works has made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. Through its comprehensive services and advocacy efforts, the organization has been a key player in the fight against AIDS and homelessness, contributing to the broader goal of ending the AIDS epidemic in New York State.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, Housing Works faces ongoing challenges, including the changing landscape of HIV/AIDS treatment and care, the need for increased funding, and the complexities of addressing homelessness in a city with a high cost of living. The organization continues to adapt its services and advocacy strategies to meet these challenges and to fulfill its mission of ending the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS.