Options for Community Living, Inc. recently received a $21,000 grant through Newsday Charities, a McCormick Foundation Fund. This award supports Options housing program for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. In total, $728,023 was distributed to 21 nonprofit organizations on Long Island through Newsday Charities in 2017.
Long Island has more AIDS cases than any other suburban area in the United States. In 2016, the NYS Department of Health reported 5,787 individuals known to be living with HIV or AIDS in Nassau/Suffolk Counties (excludes prisoners.) Options is the largest provider of supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS on Long Island with 69 units for individuals and families. Options provides safe, affordable housing with supportive case management services for people who were formerly homeless or inadequately housed.
“Once people are in stable housing, they don’t need to prioritize finding a place to sleep each night over managing their health, “ said Yolanda Robano-Gross, executive director, Options for Community Living, Inc. “For people with mental illness or chronic health conditions like HIV/AIDS, supportive housing sets them on the road to recovery. It transforms their lives. We are incredibly thankful for the support of Newsday Charities and their recognition of our impact in the community. “