Resources

In 1990, Congress passed the Ryan White Act in honor of the adolescent HIV victim, Ryan White. It was one of the government’s first steps in response to HIV/AIDS in the United States. The Act, reapproved by Barack Obama in 2009, continues to provide funding for programs that help improve the lives of those who are living with HIV/AIDS.

In 1993, PROCEED, with funding from Ryan White, began offering counseling and housing services to HIV/AIDS positive residents of Union County. The goal of these services is to maintain HIV positive individuals in medical care and to assist them in securing the additional resources needed to maintain their quality of life. Last year alone, PROCEED provided services to over 150 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Union County area.

For more information about HIV/AIDS services, contact Claudia Ortiz at (908) 351-7727, ext. 244.

Read below to learn more about specific programs.

Transitional House

PROCEED’s Transitional House provides a safe home for single, homeless men who are living with HIV/AIDS. Besides housing, services are provided to help the house residents become independent and to move into long-term permanent housing. Residents are offered case management services, substance abuse treatment, substance abuse prevention education, mental health services, educational workshops, medication management, employment referrals, computer and internet access, and treatment linkage to doctors, hospitals, and/or clinics. Residents may live in the house for one (1) year.

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

With the cost of medicine and healthcare rising, living with HIV/AIDS has become more expensive than ever. Because of this, eligible individuals living with HIV/AIDS can receive rental assistance, security deposits, case management services, and assistance with utility payments. The goal is to provide individuals with the resources necessary to prevent homelessness.

To receive PROCEED services, individuals must:

  • Be HIV-positive
  • Live in New Jersey
  • Have limited income and/or meet specific income limits
  • Be homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Be clean and sober


To find additional HOPWA programs in your area, see Find a Local HOPWA Program from the Housing and Urban Development office.