PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Terri Wilder, HIV/Aging Policy Advocate at SAGE
1:39:52
ยท
4 min
Terri Wilder, representing SAGE, presented testimony on issues faced by LGBTQ+ elders living with HIV who rely on HASA services. She highlighted several areas where HASA needs improvement, including communication, housing, income eligibility, and outreach to older people.
- Key concerns included: poor communication when case managers change, inadequate response to housing issues like mold, rising rents threatening housing stability, and a complex application process.
- Wilder emphasized the need for HASA to adapt to the aging HIV community, calling for better staffing and support for older clients.
- She also recommended updating language in the city code regarding HIV, suggesting a change from "HIV infection" to simply "HIV" in line with current guidelines.
Terri Wilder
1:39:52
Sorry.
1:39:53
I'm having a hard time finding my screen.
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Alright.
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Thank you.
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Good morning, chairs Aylia and Shulman and members of the council.
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My name is Terry Wilder, she, her, and I serve as the HIV and aging policy advocate at SAGE, the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ plus older people.
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I appreciate the opportunity to share concerns from LGBTQ plus elders living with HIV, many of whom rely on HASA services for health, housing, and stability.
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First, HASA must improve communication to ensure continuity of care.
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When case managers leave, clients are often left in limbo for months without knowing who will take over their cases.
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A formal transition process must be established to prevent gaps and support.
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Additionally, communication failures such as unanswered calls, unassigned phone extensions, and long wait times are widespread.
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Our staff has waited over two hours on the intact intake service unit line just to follow-up on an application.
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These delays must be addressed.
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Second, HAWS must offer multiple communication methods beyond email.
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Many older people lack access to or are uncomfortable with email.
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HASA should document a client's preferred method of communication, whether phone, mail, or another option at intake.
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Third, income adjustments from Social Security should not disqualify people from HASA services.
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A minor cost of living increase should not put someone at risk of losing critical support.
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Fourth, safe and affordable housing must be a priority.
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Clients report mold issues worsening their health.
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Landlords ignoring concerns and case workers providing inadequate responses, like suggesting an air purifier instead of a proper mold remediation handled by the landlord.
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Additionally, landlords receiving HOSA funds must be held accountable for providing heat as some tenant tenants fear eviction for reporting unsafe conditions.
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Stronger oversight is needed.
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And fifth, rising rents are pushing people out of stable housing.
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We've seen cases where clients rent increased by $700 in just two years after HASA starting with a new landlord.
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Mechanisms must be in place to prevent excessive rent hikes that threaten housing security.
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Six, outreach to older people is inadequate.
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Many older people living with HIV do not know HOSA exists.
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A proactive outreach strategy is necessary to connect eligible individuals to these critical services.
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So the the HOSA application process is too complex.
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One client's medical provider completed the required forms, but the paperwork stopped for months because there was no instructions on the form where about where to send it.
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Clear guidance is essential.
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HASA must be equipped to meet the needs of an aging HIV community.
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As people with HIV age, they require more time and support from case workers.
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HASA must ensure staffing
UNKNOWN
1:43:07
Your time has expired.
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Thank you.
Terri Wilder
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I'm almost done.
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You can wrap it up.
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Go ahead, wrap it up.
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Thank you.
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Finally, while we support updating the language in ad code 21 dash one two six, 20 one dash one two seven, and 21 dash one two eight, we strongly recommend changing, quote, every person with
Jacqueline Dudley
1:43:25
HIV infection
Terri Wilder
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to, quote, every person with HIV NIAID HIV language guide, have called for its removal.
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In conclusion, HASA is a vital program, but improvements are necessary to ensure older people with HIV receive the housing, case management, and support they need to age with dignity.
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Please note that more details around these issues can be found in our written submission.
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Thank you for your
Diana Ayala
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time.
1:43:57
Thank you.