Housing First
Live Forward believes that the primary need of homeless or housing vulnerable individuals or families is affordable, stable housing. Once that need has been met, other psycho-social and economic issues that may affect the household can and should be addressed.
Housing is Healthcare
Research shows that housing plays a critical role in HIV/AIDS prevention and health care. Live Forward believes that the housing or the lack thereof affects one’s ability to live a healthy life. Stably housed HIV-positive individuals are more likely to access medical care, access supportive services, get on antiretroviral medication, take the medication as prescribed, and remain engaged in healthcare. However, individuals with HIV who are homeless or unstably housed are more likely to delay HIV care, have poorer access to regular care, and are less likely to adhere to their HIV treatment.
Client-Centered Case Management and Harm Reduction
Live Forward believes it is important to meet clients where they are. Case management uses a harm reduction model that is client-centered, strength-based, non-judgmental, and respectful of the client’s right to self-determination. We assist the client with recognizing their strengths bt supporting their capability to make healthier life choices. Our overall goal is to inspire, promote, encourage and motivate the client’s journey towards independence.
HIV Strategy
Live Forward supports the National HIV/AIDS Strategy’s (Updated to 2022-2025) vision:
The United States will be a place where new HIV infections are prevented, every person knows their status, and every person with HIV has high-quality care and treatment, lives free from stigma and discrimination, and can achieve their full potential for health and well-being across the lifespan.
This vision includes all people, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, geographic location, or socioeconomic circumstance.
Therefore, Live Forward has adopted the following practices:
- Widespread HIV testing and linkage to care, enabling people living with HIV to access treatment early.
- Broad support for people living with HIV to remain engaged in comprehensive care, including support for treatment adherence.
- Universal viral suppression for people living with HIV.
- Full access to comprehensive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services
