SCFS was among the first of the outer borough, human service agencies to understand the changing nature of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its impact on poor and minority populations. By addressing an emerging need, Steinway laid the foundation for the network of HIV/AIDS services that now exists in Queens.
SCFS offers several HIV/AIDS-related programs. It runs one of New York City’s largest supportive house programs for people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Open to all with HIV/AIDS, the program includes many people with a concurrent diagnosis of mental and/or substance abuse illness. Steinway also educates adults and adolescents at risk for HIV infection and helps people with HIV/AIDS who live independently to stay healthy.
The Scatter Site Housing Program
Steinway’s Scatter Site Housing Program has 180 apartments throughout Queens and Brooklyn. Residents all have case managers and a supportive service plan. They receive substance abuse and mental health services, apartment maintenance, supportive care services and referrals. The program helps people live longer, healthier lives. With supportive care there has been a 50% decline in deaths among residents. Those in the program are helped to move on to independent living and a large number do so. The program is funded by the New York City Human Resources Administration.
The Scatter Site Housing Program: Yearly Statistics
Served 205 people who were visited bi-monthly
57% of residents are African American 33% Latino and 10% other
17 staff members including 9 case managers
Over 90% of clients are seen bi-weekly
The CAPE/TPEP Program
CAPE offers case management, advocacy, prevention and educational services to individuals at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. CAPE coordinates medical, mental health and substance abuse care for people with HIV/AIDS and insures that social service and housing needs are met. Prevention and education efforts focus on individuals at high risk for HIV. The Teen Peer Education Program (TPEP) targets adolescents, a group that is among those at highest risk for HIV infection, with an effective and popular prevention course. The New York State AIDS Institute funds CAPE/TPEP.
