Special Housing Programs

Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS

People who carry a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS do have special housing opportunities in Oklahoma.  Funding comes from a variety of sources and programs vary from one part of the state to another.  Funding goes to the three major agencies in Oklahoma which handle the comprehensive needs of people with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.  These agencies are R.A.I.N. in Oklahoma City (405) 232-2437), with a satellite R.A.I.N. in Lawton (580) 353-7900 and the Tulsa Center for AIDS research and support (Tulsa C.A.R.E.S) at (918) 834-4194.  Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. operates in the 23 counties of northeastern Oklahoma while R.A.I.N. operates in the 54 remaining counties. In these agencies, an individual will access housing assistance through case management.  They may, access information on housing programs from the Housing Director of a particular agency at the numbers mentioned above.

R.A.I.N. in Oklahoma City has housing specialists who cover Lawton and southwest Oklahoma.  R.A.I.N. operates two apartments in the Oklahoma City area on an emergency basis.  They also operate housing programs on a short-term basis (five months out of a twelve month period) and a long-term basis depending on the need of the individual.  In both the short-term and the long-term programs, R.A.I.N. may offer assistance in rental, mortgage, or utility payments.  The residence may be located in any of their 54 county areas.  The financial assistance offered will vary from individual to individual depending on the care plan which is written with that individual by the case manager. 

Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. also offers short-term and long-term assistance in housing for people with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.  In this agency, financial assistance is based on income/resources which an individual has with a maximum assistance of $300 in one month.  Short-term assistance may include rental assistance, mortgage assistance, or utility assistance.  The long-term program, only includes rental assistance.  Both short-term and long-term programs operate over all the 23 county areas. In the city of Tulsa itself, Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. operates a four-unit apartment building with two units for emergency use and two units rented on a more permanent basis.

There are some housing units available for those with HIV/AIDS outside Tulsa C.A.R.E.S or R.A.I.N.  These agencies generally work closely with the above agencies accepting referrals, but individuals may also go directly to these places to meet their housing needs.  North Winds Living Center is a nursing home which specializes in issues related to AIDS treatment.  Individuals who have AIDS symptoms which they are not able to manage in their own homes may choose a nursing home which offers a 24-hour professional staff trained to deal with all medical aspects of the disease.  North Winds Living Center requires a physician or case management referral.  They are located at 3718 N. Portland, Oklahoma City, 73112.  Their phone number is (405) 942-1014.  The Winds House, at 1707 NW 17^th, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, offers housing for persons with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.  They have a home which is shared by five individuals and they also have a home for a family in which at least one member of the family has an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.  Contact (405) 525-6277 for more information.  Red Rock Behavioral Health Services operates the Dakota Village Apartments in Oklahoma City for persons with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.  They have one guest apartment where individuals from outlying areas of Oklahoma, who are in Oklahoma City for medical treatment, may stay.  Contact (405) 425-0317 for more information.  St. Joseph Residence is operated by Catholic Charities of Tulsa.  Medical staff is available in-house.  St. Joseph Residence asks that all their residents be drug/alcohol free for one year before coming to the facility.  For more information, contact (918) 587-6456.