Peter, I am a poz ex-felon, how can I find housing?

[Peter Pointers is here 4 YOU, as a service to LifeLube readers - whatever question you may have regarding sexual health, physical health, mental/emotional and spiritual health - ask him. He will find the answers you are looking 4. helped by a team of experts. Below is a recent Q&A you may be interested to read.]

Question:  Hi Peter -  I need to know where I can get help with housing. My story: hiv poz, ex felon, I got a medical card link card. Can you help?

Answer:I am happy that you are reaching out for help in trying to secure the your basic needs.  There are some wonderful organizations out there that may be able to help you out.  So, it's great that you are looking into it I can provide you with some local resources that can get you started in your search for housing:

First, by contacting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), you can get a case manager to help with many aspects of living with HIV:

Here is the process for obtaining case management services:

Contact the AIDS Foundation of Chicago at (312) 922-2322 and say that you need a case manager. One of AFC's program staff will refer you to an agency in your area that will provide you with a case manager who can help you get the services you need.

AFC has many programs that may be helpful to you. 

Specifically look into their case management for the re-entry population.  This program attempts to ensure that those who are re-entering are receiving adequate HIV and other primary medical care. More information can be found here:  or by contacting Donnise Gaffeney (dgaffeney@aidschicago.org) at (312) 922-2322.

Another program to look into though AFC is "Housing for Health."  Here is more information on that program.
 
Also, the organization "Chicago House" provides housing and hope to men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS who may be homeless, at risk of homelessness, mentally ill, or struggling with substance abuse and poverty.  Here is more information on Chicago House's housing program.

Direct2Housing is a tool that allows you to search for housing information on your own. You can select the characteristics that match who you are and what you are looking for in terms of housing. Click "GO" and view your search results. You can click on each of the results to see contact information, eligibilty criteria, and application process for those programs.

Lastly, Test Positive Aware Network puts out, every year, a great resource for people with HIV.  This is called the Illinois HIV Services Directory, which is available for free online here.  On that page, on the left hand side, click on "Agencies by Category" and then choose Housing Placement as your category.  That should provide you with the telephone number, website, and information on MANY organizations in and around Chicago that help with housing in one way or another.

Be well,
Peter Pointers

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