NEW YORK CITY AIDS HOUSING NETWORK

The New York City AIDS Housing Network is a new initiative created to bring together individual groups of AIDS housing providers under one unified organization. Given the number of AIDS housing providers that operate in New York City, and the formalization of the Division of AIDS Services and Income Support (DASIS) as a permanent city agency, NYCAHN was formed to work on policy issues that effect City AIDS housing providers and people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Network promotes affordable, safe housing by advocating for the expansion of housing opportunities for people living with HIV/AIDS; educating supportive housing providers, support service agencies, local and state governmental agencies and the general public about the housing needs of persons with HIV/AIDS and their families; analyzing and promoting the most effective use of HOPWA and other funding streams for AIDS housing and services in the city as it relates to both production of housing and the provision of services for people living with HIV/AIDS; Maintaining and providing resource information regarding various AIDS housing models and types of support services, and how they have been successfully implemented; creating linkages and a forum for the exchange of information and ideas for all providers on legislation which relates to AIDS housing; Developing relationships and promoting sound public policies with various City agencies which provide funding and resources for the development of supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, including negotiating with the City to establish fair and equitable reimbursement rates; creating uniform standards of care for all providers of AIDS housing; Working with the NY State AIDS Housing Network and the National AIDS Housing Coalition as well as other organizations dedicated to advocating for the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS; Serving as a venue for AIDS housing providers, referral agencies and consumers to share information with one anther.