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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sharon T. Wilburn, PhD, Public Health, University of North Florida, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, 904-620-1434, swilburn@unf.edu, Michael Cochran, MPH, I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, 212 No Washington St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, Kenneth T. Wilburn, PhD, Counseling and Educational Leadership, University of North Florida, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, and Dax M. Weaver, MPH, Health-Tech Consultants, Inc., P.O. Box 331330, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233-1330.

The purpose of this evaluation-research study was to assess the interim progress of a three year program, the Scattered Emergency Apartment Program for Chronically Homeless HIV+ Adult Males; a supportive housing program designed for homeless, male, ex-offenders diagnosed HIV+. The program intent was to improve the quality of health and life of multi-challenged HIV+ male ex-offenders, living in crowded emergency shelters or on the streets of Northeast Florida, by providing access to stable housing and financial stability. Clients received case management by supportive living coaches and substance abuse counseling by a counselor. The evaluation was quasi-experimental, repeated measures, mixed methods design. Clients were assessed for housing and financial status, substance use, aggressive behavior, mental health and life skills. Clients in similar programs in the same organization served as a comparison group. Using chi square analysis interim results indicated that, when compared with the control group, clients in the intervention group were more successful in housing and employment. Almost one-fourth of the intervention group was employed compared to zero percent for the control group, and while only 4% of the intervention group were in housing at baseline, 64% had secured housing at post intervention. When compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated a greater reduction in drug use, a decrease in aggressive behaviors and an increase in life skills. Furthermore, clients reported that they received the services they needed and were highly satisfied with these serviced. Two case studies are presented; one demonstrating success, and one demonstrating client setback.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the use of supportive living coaches as an effective strategy for working with homeless HIV+ adult male ex-offenders.
• Identify innovative methods, such as a contingency management plan, for motivating participation in life skills training for homeless HIV+ adult male ex-offenders.
• Assess the success of a scattered emergency apartment program on reducing homelessness for HIV+ adult male ex-offenders.
• Discuss case studies on client success and client setback.

Keywords: Homeless, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered