There is an acute shortage of housing and support services for indigent people living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey, particularly in the rural and inner city areas of the state.  First there is a general statewide lack of affordable housing for impoverished individuals.  Second, the majority of people with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey continue to be intravenous drug users and their partners, most of who live in poverty and are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Often they have no transportation and are too ill to work.  Some may obtain temporary shelter in a motel or hotel where support services are unavailable, making it difficult to access healthcare, food and assistance for the related healthcare problems and histories of chemical dependency.  Moreover, most shelters are reluctant to take individuals with HIV/AIDS because of the health-related problems.

Under the charge of NJAC, Winifred Canright House will provide transitional housing, healthcare and support services so desperately needed by homeless people living with HIV/AIDS.  Program stays are normally nine months to one year, however a client may reside at the program for up to two years if necessary or until they are able to become self-sufficient and acquire suitable permanent housing.

Services will be provided on a daily basis for up to twenty eligible clients who have HIV/AIDS.  Program staff will maintain working relationships with referring agencies interview prospective clients and maintain a waiting list.  Upon admission the Case Manager will conduct initial interviews with the client to assess their immediate needs and obtain records from the referring agency/agencies.  Within two weeks of admission a medical and social needs-assessment will be conducted and a Program Plan will be in place.  Program Plans include budgeting issues, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, transportation needs, employment (if feasible, determined on a client by client basis), medical issues and long-term housing options.  If, for medical reasons, employment is not obtainable, the Case Manager will aid the client in applying for monies elsewhere (social security, disability, HOPWA, etc.).  The Program Plan will include long and short-term goals with the goal of each client becoming self-sufficient and obtaining suitable permanent housing.  During their stay, clients will receive nursing services and meet weekly with their Case Manager to review their progress and identify any new needs or discuss any other issues that the Case Manager and/or client deem necessary.  As needed, individual, group or family counseling sessions will be arranged.

Program staff will network with local and statewide groups monthly and attend local AIDS and/or housing coalition group meetings in Monmouth County.  Program staff will also maintain relationships with local NA and AA representatives to ensure the continuance of client participation both at the program and off-site.  Administrative staff will continue to represent the agency on statewide HIV/AIDS related coalitions.

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