Evaluating the Effects of the Arms Around You Transitional Housing Program on Health, Economic, and Mental Well-being in People With HIV

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the Arms Around You AAY program, a supportive housing initiative launched by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health in 2024 to address housing instability among people living with HIV PWH. The study focuses on how the program impacts HIV-related outcomes such as viral suppression and antiretroviral therapy ART adherence, as well as economic, psychological, and secondary health outcomes. It also assesses the programs feasibility, acceptability, and potential for broader use. Participants will be randomly assigned through a lottery to either receive immediate access to the AAY program or be placed on a waitlist receiving standard care. The program provides rent support for up to 48 months, housing medical case management, and intensive housing counseling using client-centered, harm-reduction approaches. Data will be collected over 36 months, with surveys and health records gathered at baseline, then at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. During the study, researchers will track HIV viral suppression and ART adherence as primary outcomes, alongside secondary outcomes like housing security, mental health, financial stress, and quality of life. Data sources include pharmacy refill records, surveillance data, and participant surveys. Interviews with participants and key stakeholders will explore program experiences and implementation challenges. The study aims to provide insights into how housing interventions can improve health and reduce disparities for PWH, with total participation lasting up to three years.

Transitional Housing and HIV Health