Iris House A Center For Woman Living With Hiv Inc

HOUSING PROGRAMS Iris House governs three specialized scatter site housing programs that serve adults living with HIV Scatter Site Housing funded by HASA and or diagnosed with mental health or substance use disorders Housing Opportunities for People Living with HIV/AIDS HOPWA and NYCDOHMH IRIS NY 15/15. These programs provide not only housing but also a range of comprehensive case management services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Services provided to clients include client collaboration on goal/service plans, comprehensive assessments, internal referrals e.g., Iris House food pantry and external referrals mental health, employment assistance, educational resources along with legal and immigration support. In response to requests from clients aging with HIV for more health and movement-based activities, Iris House launched a monthly dance class in 2024. This initiative is open to SSHP clients, community members, and other housing program participants to promote physical activity and wellness.

PREVENTION SERVICES In 2024, prevention and health education services were provided in New York City and New Jersey to populations with the highest rates of new infections and communities facing health disparities particularly men and women of color, youth, LGBTQ community, migrants/immigrants and individuals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and mental health disorders. The prevention department offered various CDC evidence-based interventions such as Seeking Safety, Healthy Relationships, WILLOW, D-Up, and Community Promise as well as Loving Ourselves, a homegrown intervention, and Love Your Life a virtual support group for women living with HIV. In addition to group level interventions, prevention services included rapid HIV, HCV and STI testing, emotional wellness groups, HIV navigation, health education workshops, condom distribution, vocational skills-building trainings, substance use treatment, non-medical case management, COVID-19 services, PrEP awareness and pharmacy services, and advocacy.