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October 12, 2004
Housing Works Moves Headquarters to Brooklyn, Where New York AIDS Epidemic Is Deadliest
The front lines of the fight against HIV/AIDS have crossed the East River. As the AIDS epidemic escalates to pandemic proportions in Brooklyn, Housing Works, the largest community-based AIDS service organization in New York City and the country, is moving our base of operations to downtown Brooklyn to lead the fight.
Brooklyn now leads New York City boroughs in number of AIDS deaths, new HIV cases that have already progressed to AIDS, number of women living with AIDS and number of women dying of AIDS.
"Brooklyn is on fire with AIDS, and there's not enough water," said Charles King, President and CEO of Housing Works. "We're following the epidemic and committing our organization to expanding resources and services for the entire borough."
The new Housing Works headquarters at 57 Willoughby Street will include our executive, advocacy, job training, human resources and research department offices. And we're currently working to win state approval for an AIDS Adult Day Health Care program at the site.
"Together, we can fight to win more resources, save lives, improve health care and reverse these disturbing trends," said King. "With the support of community-based groups, faith-based organizations, elected officials and people living with HIV/AIDS or at risk, we can fight AIDS and save lives in Brooklyn -- and we're pledging our organization to this struggle."
The AIDS epidemic in Brooklyn is turbocharged by race, poverty, immigration status and lack of access to health care and public health resources:
- In Brooklyn, the death rate was 31.5% in 2003, higher than any other borough. (NYC DOHMH HIV Epidemiology Quarterly Report, July 2004)
- A person with AIDS in Brooklyn is 20% more likely to die in a given year than a person with AIDS in Manhattan, and 13 times more likely than someone on Staten Island. (Housing Works)
- 33 % of NYC's female PLWAs diagnosed in 2002 (584) live in Brooklyn-the highest percentage in all five boroughs. Brooklyn also led all boroughs in female AIDS-related deaths: 34.3% vs. 29.9% in the Bronx and 23% in Manhattan. That is a difference of 2,760 deaths between Brooklyn and Manhattan. (NYC DOHMH, HIV Prevalence in New York City, 2002, p.2)
- Despite the fact that Brooklyn represents nearly 25% of all of New York City's AIDS cases, 28% of new diagnoses, 32% of concurrent HIV/AIDS diagnoses and 31% of AIDS-related deaths, the borough receives only 18% of Ryan White Title I funding, designed to be aimed at the hardest-hit areas. And Brooklyn receives less than its proportional fair share of federal, state and city funding.
- AIDS was the third-largest cause of death in Central Brooklyn in 2001 at 54 deaths per 100,000, twice the rate for New York City as a whole (22 deaths per 100,000). (NYC DOHMH, 2001)
- Although Manhattan residents account 19% of New York City's population, they enjoy access to 33% of healthcare services. Brooklyn, on the other hand, has the largest concentration of NYC residents at 31%, yet they have access to only 22% of the healthcare services. (Housing Works)
- Brooklyn has more children with AIDS than any other borough- 34% vs. 28% in the Bronx and 19% in Manhattan. (NYCDOHMH, Pediatric HIV Prevalence in New York City, 2003)
Housing Works already serves thousands of Brooklyn residents living with AIDS and HIV at their East New York and Lower Manhattan programs. The group has developed over 100 units of supportive housing in Brooklyn, and has expanded front-line health care and service programs in East New York with the support of state, federal and city officials.
For 14 years, Housing Works has provided housing, services and advocacy to homeless people living with AIDS and HIV. The organization runs supportive housing, health care, job training and employment and HIV prevention and education programs serving all five boroughs.
Housing Works is a national leader in social ventures, operating successful multi-million dollar businesses including four Housing Works Thrift Stores, the Housing Works Used Book Cafe in Soho, Gotham Assets property management company; the Community Advocacy and Advisory Services consulting and lobbying firm; and "The Works," a catering and food service corporation.
Housing Works is the nation's largest community-based AIDS organization and the nation's largest minority-controlled AIDS organization. For more information, visit www.housingworks.org.