What is Safe Start?

About the program: The Safe Start program provides permanent, scattered-site housing and supportive services to homeless individuals dually or triply diagnosed with HIV, substance addiction, and/or mental illness. When it was launched in 1996, it was the first of the permanent, scattered-site housing programs for HIV-positive substance users utilizing the "harm reduction" method in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Harm reduction is a service strategy that begins by accepting clients where they are in relation to substance use, and actively involves them in determining how to improve their lives. Harm reduction case managers engage clients in a non-judgmental manner and work with them to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and harm caused by substance use, and if desired by the client, become clean and sober. This innovative method has proven successful in helping an extremely vulnerable, hard-to-reach population to stabilize their lives and move forward to independence with dignity.

Safe Start also employs the Housing First model, which is a strategy to end homelessness that places individuals into stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible. Through intensive case management and links to community-based services, Housing First allows individuals to achieve the maximum level of self-sufficiency for which they are capable and helps them integrate into the community in which they live.

Safe Start currently consists of 24 units which are made up of nine Supportive Housing Program (SHP) units and 15 Shelter + Care (S+C) units. Throughout the north and south sides of Chicago, there are 22 scattered-site studios or one-bedroom apartments and 2 two-bedroom apartments.

Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for Safe Start, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:

• Have a documented history of homelessness
• Be disabled due to HIV
• Have a history of substance use or mental illness
• Demonstrate an ability to live as independently as possible within a private, residential setting.

How to apply: For more information about the program or to request a program application, contact Fred Maclin, Safe Start coordinator at (773) 233-8524 Ext. 2070 or Cassandra Brooks-Smith at BEHIV at (773) 381-6300 Ext. 37.

Background: It has been estimated that as many as 15,000 people in Chicago are homeless on any given night. Of that number, approximately 38% have a substance abuse problem, 20-25% have a mental illness, and 8% are HIV positive. Despite these disturbing statistics, there are significant service gaps for homeless people and/or for people with HIV/AIDS struggling with multiple diagnoses.

Safe Start was launched in 1996 as a response to the lack of cooperation and planning among housing, HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance use service providers. AFC received the first grant for Safe Start in 1995 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) SHP. The program is currently funded by HUD SHP and receives additional S+C housing units through Heartland Human Care Services Rafael Center S+C Program.

AFC handles all grant applications and renewals for Safe Start and coordinates reporting for both programs, ensuring standardized program quality and procedures.

Partner agencies: Christian Community Health Center (CCHC) and Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) provide the services, support, and case management for the Safe Start units. CCHC coordinates services for apartments located in Kenwood and Roseland. BEHIV coordinates services for the apartments located in Edgewater and Rogers Park.

More information: Please contact Dave Thomas at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago at (312) 922-2322 x303.

		Access HIV health, housing, and legal services.

Service Providers:

Better Existence with HIV

www.harmreduction.org