why support the plan?

Reduction of Costs to Public for Services

a) Increased coordination between federal, state and local partners

The Upstate HIV/AIDS Housing Plan was created and is being implemented through a Steering Committee representing all facets of the community. Local adoption of the Plan will encourage further streamlining of services and increased collaboration to address these issues. Local support of the Plan will encourage greater local participation in pro-actively addressing the issue before it creates a crisis.

b) Stabilization of disease in individuals reduces costs to the public

For individuals to stabilize their health, decent, safe and sanitary housing is vital for individuals with HIV/AIDS because it provides a place for medicines and food to be stored. It allows a place for meals to be prepared as well as promoting a stable, unchanging residence. This stability results in decreased need for public assistance.
Many with HIV/AIDS face financial hardships due to their illness. Without assistance, these hardships have traditionally led to loss of housing, thus negatively effecting their health. The HIV/AIDS Housing Plan includes steps taken to prevent loss of housing and to increase housing opportunities for those with nowhere to go.
.
Practical, Proactive Response to A Growing Epidemic
a) Enhance Housing Quality and Availability

Housing affordability is determined by the relationship of housing cost to income.
According to HUD, if housing costs 30% or less of an individual's income, it is considered “affordable”.

In the Upstate, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) is $504 for a one-bedroom apartment and $569 for a two-bedroom. An individual living on Supplemental Security Income would need to use 91% of their monthly SSI to afford a one-bedroom unit. Respondents to the Housing Survey reported they paid an average of 50% of their monthly income for housing. Many live in poor housing conditions which contributes to instability of their health.

The Plan works to address the need for improved housing through housing voucher partnerships which need the support of local leadership. The Plan also includes actions for development of new units and continued housing assistance.

b) Promotes self-sufficiency

Providing housing assistance and care promotes the ultimate goal of most individuals with HIV/AIDS which is self-sufficiency. Those will HIV/AIDS strive to re-gain or maintain self-sufficiency so they may resume vital, contributing lives.

c) Reduces stigma of the disease increases/decreases spread of epidemic
The Plan involves steps to increase awareness among the populations most effected. With the assistance of clergy, public, private and other local stakeholders, the Steering Committee is working to get the facts of HIV/ AIDS out to the community. Providing education and awareness also assists in preventing the spread of HIV/ AIDS and stabilizing those effected.