1 Culturally Relevant Strategies for Outreach & Engagement in a High Risk YMSM Community of Color Presenter: Lindsay Lee Slay, LMSW The HOUSE Project Team: Dr. Edwin Craft – Grant Project Officer Linney Smith – Project Director Dr. Toorjo Ghose – Project Evaluator Lindsay Slay – Project Coordinator Regnarian Jenkins – Sr Outreach Specialist Melissa Sandel – Outreach Specialist Andre Morrison – Outreach Specialist Tyrone Perry – Peer Support Worker Fighting to end AIDS and homelessnessHOUSINGWORKS.ORG

2 Learning Objectives  Overview of The HOUSE Project at Housing Works  Introduction to House Ball Community (Kiki scene)  Successful recruitment strategies  Strategies for Follow up  Data outcomes

3 Housing Works Housing Works is a grassroots organization, founded in 1990 by a group of “Act Up” activist who saw a dire need for stable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS as a foundation to living healthy lives. OUR MISSION: Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts.

4 The HOUSE Project Overview Health Outreach Utilization Support Enhancement (HOUSE) Project

5 The HOUSE Project Overview The HOUSE Project aims to: Link participants to services – Substance use treatment (OASAS) Many Men Many Voices (3MV) – DEBI Intervention

6 Many Men, Many Voices (3MV) Overview Evidence-based HIV/STD prevention intervention sexual risk behaviors protective factors For black men who have sex with men (MSM) Small group educational setting

7 The HOUSE Project Accomplishments To date, enrolled 1001 clients 440 rapid HIV tests Linked over 200 participants to primary care 140 Kiki Events Partnered with internal programs (OASAS) and external orgs Completed 7 cycles of Many Men Many Voices (3MV)

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9 Reasons to outreach the House Ball Community (HBC) High HIV prevalence The MSM “Syndemic” – including substance abuse, mental illness, etc Experience additional barriers

10 Successfully recruitment of the House Ball Community 1.Utilize staff/peers who are knowledgeable about the House Ball Community 2.Connect to community leaders to gain access

11 3. Actively participate in the HBC support network 4. Sponsor and host balls that create arrangements with houses Successfully recruitment

12 Challenges Mistrust of community based organizations Concerns about privacy Perceived stigma in participation Testing fatigue and oversaturation of services in NYC Don’t want to feel like a “number”

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15 Challenges Mistrust of community based organizations Concerns about privacy Perceived stigma in participation Testing fatigue and oversaturation of services in NYC Don’t want to feel like a “number”

16 Challenges Mistrust of community based organizations Concerns about privacy Perceived stigma in participation Testing fatigue and oversaturation of services in NYC

17 Retention strategies Nonjudgmental environment Create therapeutic alliance Address immediate needs, link to ongoing services Regular contact through social media, hot spots Utilize incentives

18 Data Outcomes GPRA Data Many Men, Many Voices (3MV) – Qualitative Data

19 Baseline Mean (S.D.) Six Month Mean (S.D.) Percent Change Depression (N=553) 2.1 (6.5).70 (3.0)-67%*** Anxiety (N=554) 1.9 (6.0).88 (4.0)-54%*** Mental Health Baseline Mean (S.D.) Six Month Mean (S.D.) Percent Change Illegal Drug Use (N=553)8.2 (12.1)5.3 (9.5)-35%*** Alcohol (Any) (N=557)3.7 (5.9)3.7 (5.0)0% Alcohol to Intoxication.45 (2.8).09 (1.9)-80%* Substance Use *p<.05 **p<.01 ***p<.001 Data analysis: Outcomes through 7/20/15

20 Data analysis: Outcomes through 7/20/15 Sexual Risk Housing (N=488) *p<.05 **p<.01 ***p<.001 Baseline Mean (S.D.) Six Month Mean (S.D.) Percent Change Sexual Contacts (N=537) 7.5 (14)5.5 (9.3)-27%*** Unprotected Contact (N=528)3 (8.7)1.8 (5.9)-40%** Unprotected Contact w/ PLHA (N=485).32 (2.1).20 (2.1)-38% Unprotected Contact with IDU (N=512) 0 (0).004 (.09)Not Significant Unprotected Contact while high (N=510).68 (4).31 (1.9)-54%* BaselineSix MonthPercent Change Rent own apartment 21% (N=102)29% (N=141)32**

21 Many Men, Many Voices (3MV): Qualitative Data Did participating in 3MV change your use of substance use and mental health treatment? How? – “ Yeah I was isolated before and after the group I was more open to talking with a counselor or with people in general. I was scared going into it and wasn’t comfortable sharing a lot in general but the participants made me feel comfortable and supported so I could open up more. Yes it helped me open up to mental health counseling more which I’m now engaged in.” Did participating in 3MV change your self identify? If so, how? – “Yes, it changed my self-identity because I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know, like I looked at myself as a victim before, and now I don’t feel that way. It gave me self worth and value.”

22 Thank You! Contact Info: 2640 Pitkin Ave Brooklyn, NY Phone: x 4317 Fax: HOUSINGWORKS.ORGFighting to end AIDS and homelessness