~Ending the HIV Epidemic by Connecting People and Resources~
HHHOAPE Transition Program
(HIV HOMELESS HOUSING OUTREACH to Achieve Positive Engagement)
The intersection of homelessness and HIV has a major impact on public health and poverty in black communities across the country, and the globe. The HHHOAPE program provides housing and supportive services to those living with HIV/AIDS in North Carolina and South Carolina. HHHOAPE is built on a person-centric model that helps individuals along the HIV/AIDS care continuum. With an emphasis on dignity and inclusivity, the HHHOAPE program provides a discrimination and stigma-free environment where residents can prioritize themselves and their health. The primary focus of the residential program is to establish care with a team of physicians and implement an individualized care plan with the support of a dedicated team of trained professionals and volunteers, so that you can reintegrate into the community as quickly as possible. With our support, residents will be on ART (Antiretroviral Therapy), retained in care, setting lifestyle and health goals, achieving or maintaining viral suppression, and building the foundation for sustainable community living.
DARE - HIV Confidence Coaching
The effects of stigma can be traumatic for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Stigma can manifest itself in many ways, including self doubt and feelings of worthlessness, which can lead to severe depression and often times suicide. Internal stigma is the most debilitating, because it is the stigma heard most often. It is the internal dialogue that one has within themself that defines who they are. This is the most important conversation a PLWHA has during the course of their day, and it determines their health outcomes.
During the hour long - 3 session series, the PLWHA learns to identify self stigma, understand the root cause of the internalized stigma by identifying the fear determinant, and learn how to reshape their thoughts about themselves as PLWHA through acceptance, thus far taking their power back.
1st Session - DISCOVERY: We will dig deep in conversation to identify the root cause of the fear. For the initial 30 day period following this session, clients will be required to journal all stigmatized thoughts and the feelings they experienced as a result of them.
2nd Session - ACTION: During this session, various activities are performed so participants are taught practical techniques to utilize to begin gaining back their confidence and liberate themselves from the shackles of stigma and shame. For the 30 day period following this session, clients are required to journal moments of stigma, the practical technique used to combat it, and whether it was successful or not, and why it was or was not successful.
Session 3 - Reflect & Empower
Step 1 - REFLECT: We will discuss the successes and failures of the ACTION phase and how the barriers, if any, presented themselves. Participants will reflect upon each the who, what, when, where and why each documented circumstance triggered their trauma, and what they could have done to respond in an effective and positive manner. Participants will create an action plan to continue their successes and learn new approaches to conquering the areas where barriers to success were identified. Lastly, participants will pledge to become community advocates to help educate vulnerable populations on the continued fight against HIV/AIDS, and influence testing by breaking down stigma.
Step 2 - EMPOWER: We will create the “Freedom Plan” (method of disclosure). This will be the date, time and method that the participant will publicly disclose their status and be released from the shackles of stigma.
Testing and Linkage to Care
The only way to know your status is to get tested. Knowing your status is sexy and everbody's doing it. Choose one of the testing options below, and we'll take care of you.
Option 1: OTPPU Testing (On the Porch Pull Up) - Unable to get to the testing location? We will come to you to administer testing and give your results in 20 minutes or less, at a location convenient for you and maintain your confidentiality.
Option 2: Clinic (Currently by appointment only. Walk-In availability coming soon)
Option 3: Testing Event - Periodically we hold public testing events where the community can come enjoy a day of fun, food, music and more, while still prioritizing their health. (Dates and Times TBD)