A.I.D.S. Aiding A Problem (Press, 13 July 1984)

In New York, George Cargulia, recently released on parole and living with relatives in Brooklyn, experienced a health crisis that led to his diagnosis of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) after initially being treated for pneumonia. His situation highlighted a significant issue affecting AIDS patients: the lack of adequate housing solutions. As a result of societal fears surrounding the disease, many patients are forced into shelters or single-room occupancy hotels, where they must often conceal their AIDS status to avoid being turned away. The growing number of AIDS patients needing housing has prompted concern from social workers and organisations, underscoring the challenges faced by low-income individuals. Some, like Cargulia, are unable to return to their families due to fears of contagion. Others are evicted from their homes after being unable to pay rent while hospitalised, or they emerge from prison with no place to go once their medical treatment ends. Experts, including Don Morlan from the American Baptist Churches, have pointed out the severe shortage of housing options for AIDS patients, largely due to prevalent prejudices and misconceptions surrounding the disease. Additionally, facilities such as nursing homes and hotels are generally reluctant to accept these patients. Monnie Callan, a social worker, noted that finding placements is exceptionally challenging, while Paul Kaiser from Beth Israel Medical Centre remarked on the risky situations amid the high prevalence of communicable diseases in shelters. Roger McFarlane of Gay Men’s Health Crisis indicated that discharging AIDS patients to public shelters is dangerously irresponsible, emphasising that these patients are more likely to pick up other infectious diseases in such environments, rather than spreading AIDS themselves. Recent data showed a disturbing rise in reported AIDS cases in early 1984, contradicting earlier beliefs that cases had levelled off. As of the first quarter of 1984, there had been a total of 4,690 reported cases in the United States, with New York City bearing the brunt of the epidemic. In light of these findings, Robert Jorgen from the city’s Human Resources Administration acknowledged the necessity for non-profit housing tailored for AIDS patients and suggested that a proposed 200-room facility could be quickly filled. Diego Lopez from Gay Men’s Health Crisis has been actively exploring housing needs and potential solutions, recognising the requirement for facilities equipped with support services for terminally ill patients. The care demands for AIDS patients are extensive, as demonstrated by P.W. Kardiasmenos, who resides in a dilapidated tenement. He relies on the assistance of friends and professionals due to his compromised health, while volunteers manage his bills and public aid processes. The overarching narrative reveals a critical void in support structures for those grappling with the realities of AIDS, illustrating the urgent need for compassionate and practical housing solutions.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand