Community Story
Vivian Lopez Ponce, Housing Works client
“Housing Works support groups help me keep myself in check,” says Vivian Lopez Ponce. “They remind me I’m not the only one who went through hell.”
Ponce is enrolled in the Transgender Services program at our 13th Street facility. The “hell” she is referring to is the life on the streets that many transgender people—discriminated against in employment and housing—are forced to turn to in order to survive. Many engage in sex work and HIV rates are high. Ponce was diagnosed with HIV in 1996. “When I walk through Housing Works’ doors, I feel like I’m alive again,” she says.
Ponce, who serves on 13th Street’s Community Advisory Board, says the Housing Works support groups she attends—which deal with everything from anger management to spirituality to life as a Latina—are a lifeline, not just for her but for her partner, also a Housing Works client. “Housing Works really helped my love, health-wise, stop drinking and stop using drugs,” she says.
Hosuing Works Legal Services helped Ponce change her name, a frequent stumbling block in employment and other official matters for people who are transgender. “I feel great about that,” Ponce says. “I should have had it done a long time ago.”
Make a difference
Reacting to community needs is a hallmark of Housing Works’ HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs. We develop programs that are cutting-edge yet accessible—addressing critical gaps in AIDS services. Support Housing Works now and help us improve the lives of ALL people affected by HIV/AIDS.
