Dear Friend,
We need your help! Please support our efforts to ensure affordable housing is available for people living with HIV/AIDS. Other than medical treatment and therapy adherence, permanent, stable, affordable housing is the most influential factor in stabilizing and maintaining the overall health of an HIV positive individual. In addition, stable, permanent housing also improves an individual's quality of life and can contribute to the reduction of HIV transmission for all Delawareans. Recent research suggests that housing assistance is a cost effective HIV prevention strategy. It is estimated that each prevented infection saves more than $600,000 in medical costs over a person’s lifetime. (Schackman, B. Medical Care, November 2006)
Your signature on the form below will demonstrate to our lawmakers that you support Concurrent Resolution 16 and agree that adequate housing in our community is an essential component of an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. This resolution was passed in May 2009 by the State of Delaware's Senate and House of Representatives.
Thank you for your support!
Delaware HIV Policy Committee Members: Delaware HIV Consortium, AIDS Delaware, Christiana Care Health Service, Latin American Community Center, Kent/Sussex Counseling Services, Tibotec Therapeutics, Planned Parenthood, Catholic Charities, YMCA of Delaware, NAMI-DE, Gaudenzia, House of Joseph II, Brandywine Counseling, Homeless Planning Council of DE, Gilead Sciences, Dover's Caring Hearts, Delaware Physicians Care, Abbott Laboratories, Howard Consulting Group and Loveheals Ministries
Concurrent Housing Resolution
Expressing the sense of Congress that ensuring the availability of adequate housing is an essential component of an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of HIV and the care of individuals with HIV.
Whereas adequate and secure housing is recognized as a human right in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948;
Whereas strong and consistent research findings show that the socioeconomic status of individuals and groups is a key determinant of health;
Whereas the link between poverty and an increased risk of contracting HIV and other poor health outcomes is well established;
Whereas research findings demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between inadequate housing and a greater risk of HIV infection, poor health outcomes, and early death;
Whereas poor living conditions, including overcrowding and homelessness, undermine safety, privacy, and efforts to promote self-respect, human dignity, and responsible sexual behavior;
Whereas hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS in Delaware are facing a waiting period of four years for adequate housing;
Whereas, according to the National AIDS Housing Coalition, individuals who are homeless or unstably housed are 2 to 6 times more likely to use hard drugs, share needles, or exchange sex than individuals with stable housing, as the lack of stable housing directly impacts the ability of individuals living in poverty to reduce HIV risk behaviors;
Whereas, despite the evidence indicating that adequate housing has a direct positive effect on the prevention and treatment of HIV and health outcomes, the lack of resources dedicated to providing adequate housing has been largely ignored in policy discussions at the international level; and
Whereas the United Nations, in the 2006 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, embraced the goal of universal access to comprehensive prevention programs and treatment, care, and support for individuals with HIV by 2010:
Now, therefore, be it resolved that ensuring the availability of adequate housing is an essential component of an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of HIV and the care of individuals with HIV.
Click here to download this form in Word document format.
Please download the form, sign electronically and reply via e-mail to Alyson Lang at alang@delawarehiv.org. You may also print the form, sign it and mail it to: Delaware HIV Consortium, 100 W. 10th St, Suite 415, Wilmington, DE 19801.