Texas: AIDS Housing Coalition Reorganizes

The nonprofit AIDS Housing Coalition Houston Inc. has reorganized in its attempts to assist people with HIV/AIDS. Executive Director Matt Locklin said organization volunteers recently elected officers for 2003-2004, and these incoming leaders have decided to direct AHCH resources to a new emergency-based housing initiative dubbed the West Heights Shelter.

The West Heights Shelter will serve both male and female occupants, as its rooms are private. On-site house hosts supervise the facility, where participants are mentored on social services in self-styled "AIDS 101" survival course. A fee of up to $10 per day per person may be charged, Locklin said, but those who cannot afford to pay will not be turned away. Nutritious food, clothing, furnishings and other amenities are to be made available as public donations allow, Locklin said. The average stay in such a facility is seven days to six weeks, with a maximum stay of 90 days.

"The West Heights area was chosen over the old Montrose neighborhoods for availability of low income housing nearby," Locklin said. "Efforts will be targeted to moderately ill AIDS patients who may have fallen through the cracks in the system. Real, live, sick human beings -- that nobody else can help today because of funding cuts and red tape."

The startup of the new shelter was made possible by a grant from the Houston Endowment Inc., Locklin said. Volunteers are sought to assist with the facility.

AHCH had used its after-hours Club Nsomnia, a "bring your own beer" club, to raise funds for the organization and its Montrose Cottages, which provided assistance for HIV-positive clients. But in July, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents raided the club and alleged illegal activities were taking place. Club operators alleged that law enforcement officials conducted an illegal search and seizure. Without the funds from Nsomnia, Locklin said AHCH could not continue its operations and was forced to refocus its efforts.

Established in 1994, AHCH has helped more than 400 residents with the transitional and emergency housing programs it sponsors, Locklin said.

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