HIV service providers and housing groups urge restoration and expansion of funding

Representatives of HIV service organizations and housing providers urged the Senate Human Services Committee to support funding proposals aimed at preventing new HIV infections and preserving supportive housing that keeps people with HIV stable in the community.

Ezra McNair, advocacy organizer for the Aliveness Project, described rising caseloads and closures of HIV/AIDS service organizations and urged lawmakers to keep the governor’s proposed $12 million allocation to “end HIV in Minnesota.” McNair said that audio-only telehealth expansion and wraparound services are crucial to linking newly diagnosed people to medical care.

Leah Cameron of Clare Housing described the agency’s 24-hour customized living program that provides around-the-clock support to residents with complex medical needs and said the governor’s budget proposes ending 24-hour customized living “as we know it.” She said the proposed change would shrink the program over time and push some residents into nursing homes or homelessness. Cameron urged at least $9 million in HIV funding to fill service gaps and said “reducing the age of individuals for customized living will greatly impact those we serve.”

Why it matters: Witnesses argued that stable housing and sustained access to HIV care prevent hospitalizations, reduce transmissions, and are cost-effective compared with institutional care. They asked the Legislature to preserve and increase targeted funding.

Ending: Committee members acknowledged the testimony and said they would consider funding levels as the budget process continues.