Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) is the proud recipient of a two-year grant award totaling $30,000 from the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund for its housing programs for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.
The M·A·C AIDS Fund’s mission is to serve people of all ages, races, and genders affected by HIV and AIDS. The fund supports community programs and services that provide daily support and essential poverty-based direct services, helping people living with HIV/AIDS to re-prioritize their health. Since its inception in 1994, the fund has committed more than $50 million to programs like these.
“We are thankful to the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund for prioritizing basic needs – housing, food, transportation – so that people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can take care of their health.” stated Yolanda Robano-Gross, director of Options for Community Living, Inc. “We see the outcomes – 100% of tenants in our housing who were formerly homeless are connected to healthcare and the majority comply with their medication regimens,” said Robano-Gross. “Supportive housing works! We are incredibly grateful to the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund for their support.”
Options is the largest provider of supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS on Long Island. The agency currently operates more than 50 units of supportive housing dedicated to individuals and families scattered throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Additional housing services for PLWHA include rent subsidies and financial assistance and services to obtain and maintain housing. Earlier this year, on the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day, Options received special recognition from Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Towns of Islip and Huntington for its work in service of people living with HIV/AIDS on Long Island.