Operating Support for House of Mercy: Low-Income AIDS Ministry

The number of new cases of HIV/AIDS continues to grow with over 1.1 million people living with HIV disease in the U.S., including more than 476,732 with AIDS. Of those living with HIV disease, 16% are unaware of their status. HIV/AIDS in the South is a growing concern with the most AIDS deaths and 45% of new AIDS diagnoses overall.

The NC Division of Public Health estimates 35,150 North Carolinians are living with HIV or AIDS including an estimated 6,350 who are unaware of their status. As of December 31, 2012 there were 6,673 reported HIV disease cases living in our 10-county service area (current estimates: over 7,000 cases). The growing population of persons living with HIV/AIDS has increased the need for AIDS-related housing, health and social services. Nearly all House of Mercy residents have become Medicaid-eligible because the expense of fighting their illness has exhausted their personal resources. Most residents have had low incomes and health insurance hasn’t been an option.

Average House of Mercy Demographics: 73% African-American; 25% Caucasian; 1% Hispanic; 1% Native American; 72% Male; 28% Female; 8% Ages 20 – 29 years; 40% Ages 30 – 39 years; 36% Ages 40 – 49 years; 16% Ages 50 years and older. Not only residents benefit from House of Mercy's services. We provide great comfort to friends and family members who are no longer able to provide care for their loved ones, especially elderly parents. House of Mercy receives a steady flow of referrals from area hospitals, infectious disease specialists and social service agencies. House of Mercy collaborates with regional hospitals, AIDS service agencies and other human service organizations to better meet the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Hospitals are a major source of referrals because they recognize the cost effectiveness of House of Mercy.

Coordinated HIV care is a central element of House of Mercy’s program of services. Our client-focused strategy for coordinating care includes assessing a client’s need for specific health, psychological and social services; and assisting the client to access a wide range of services that will address those needs. Components of coordinated care include resident admission and assessment, development of a care plan including long term needs, ongoing coordination of medical services, monitoring the resident's health, and discharge planning when needed. Grant funds would help pay for caregivers' salaries and program expenses (24 hour care, clinical treatments, supplemental services) at the House of Mercy residence.