Each week the AIDS Walk Boston Blog will profile one of our programs at AIDS Action Committee.  The money raised by the Walk is crucial for supporting these vital programs. 

This week we spoke with Kelly Mulligan, Rental Assistance Program Coordinator.  

The Rental Assistance Program, started in 1995, and Homelessness Prevention Program, started in 1993, are important tools that allow clients to “focus on their health and well being.” Studies have shown that HIV positive individuals who have a stable living situation are more willing to access primary care, take their medications and less likely to go to the emergency room. 

The average income of clients at the AIDS Action Committee is less than $8,000, yet the fair market rent of a one bedroom apartment is Boston is $1,153.  “Because the housing prices in the city are so astronomically high, this creates a seemingly insurmountable barrier of obtaining or maintaining affordable housing for our clients,” says Kelly Mulligan. The Rental Assistance Program and the Rental Start-up Program work with sixty agencies throughout Eastern Massachusetts to provide confidential help to between 500-600 individuals each year to either maintain or obtain affordable living situations. 

The Rental Start-up Program assists individuals living with HIV/AIDS to search for new and affordable housing. The program also provides financial assistance for the individuals don’t have the available savings to pay first months’ rent or a deposit.

Utilities, especially with the rising costs of natural gas and oil, create a challenge for many of AIDS Action Committee’s client. The Utilities Assistance Program has been assists around 600 individuals each year and has been helping clients since 1993. 

Funds raised through AIDS Walk Boston support programs like the Rental Assistance Program, please register or donate today to help us continue these vital services.