Lack of affordable housing is a critical problem facing a growing number of people living with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other illnesses caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
People
with HIV/AIDS may lose their jobs because of discrimination or because
of the fatigue and periodic hospitalization caused by HIV-related
illness.
They may also find their incomes drained by the costs of health care.
This among other reasons is why Dramastage-Qumran is offering an opportunity for interested organizations and institutions to allow us the opportunity to present the facts about this disease and how it can touch each of our lives.
This project is headed by one of our resident performers Hector Arzate, who has been diagnoised with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Hector has created a forum that delivers the facts about this disease through his own personal experiences, performance, presentation of information and Q&A sessions.
If your school or organization is interested in scheduling a presentation then click here for contact information
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An estimated 3.5 million people are homeless in the United States every year.
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Studies indicate that the prevalence of HIV among homeless people is between 3%-20%, with some subgroups having much higher burdens of disease.
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In general, people who are homeless have higher rates of chronic diseases than people who are housed, due in part to the effects of lifestyle factors (such as drug, alcohol, or tobacco use), exposure to extreme weather,nutritional deficiencies, and being victimized
by violence. -
People living with HIV/AIDS are at higher risk of becoming homeless. A Los Angeles study found that 50% of domiciled people living with HIV/AIDS felt they were at risk of becoming homeless.
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A 1995 survey of homeless adults found that 69% were at risk for HIV infection from unprotected sex with multiple partners, injection drug use (IDU), sex with IDU partners, or exchanging unprotected sex for money or drugs.
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Homeless women and adolescents are particularly at risk. Single homeless women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, both of which have been linked to HIV infection. Homeless adolescents are at risk due to higher rates of sexual abuse and exploitation. It has been estimated that 70 to 85% of homeless adolescents abuse substances.
- Homeless women have special barriers to health care. Homeless mothers, in particular, have been found to subordinate their own health care needs for the needs of their children.
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Many homeless adolescents find that exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter is
their only chance of survival on the streets. In turn, homeless youth are at a greater risk of contracting AIDS or HIV-related illnesses. HIV prevalence studies anonymously performed in four cities found a median HIV-positive rate of 2.3% for homeless persons
under age 25. - For more information about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other illnesses caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) please visit the Center for Disease Control web page.
