The AIDS Support Network provides comprehensive services to our clients. Benefits Counseling - Insurance and benefit programs such as SSI, SSDI, Medi-Cal, Medicare, CARE/HIPP, and private insurance programs can be confusing and daunting to those trying to utilize them. ASN's Benefits Counselor, Tom Hutchings, helps our clients access the benefits that they are entitled to.
Health Counseling
For clients, family members and the public, current HIV and AIDS information is vital. Terry Comer, ASN's Health Counselor, provides current treatment information, is a link to the medical community for the agency and, for clients, is able to give referrals to physicians, discuss drug side effects and disease progression.
Housing Services
Finding suitable and stable housing for our clients is one of our highest priorities. ASN's Housing Services Coordinator, Rachel Richardson, advises clients, assists with housing searches, is the liaison with local housing programs (such as Section 8) and works with clients concerning utilities.
ASN Residential Housing Program:
The agency owns and operates 12 units of housing for HIV+ clients in San Luis Obispo. These rent subsidized units are specifically for low-income clients.
Financial Assistance
Assistance is available to ASN's HIV+ clients from the Ryan White CARE Act and Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS (HOPWA) funds for:
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Volunteer Services
ASN provides practical assistance for clients, such as transportation to appointments, housekeeping, meal preparation or food delivery and companionship. Peter Dobson, ASN's Volunteer Coordinator, matches client needs and volunteer availability.
Client Retreat Program
A new piece of ASN's client service program is our semi-annual Client Retreat. Clients can spend several days away from their daily routines, learning about stress reduction, developing new friendships, building self-awareness and self-esteem, etc.
Support Groups
ASN provides several support groups for clients and their families (a men's group, a women's group and a children's group). The agency also tries to create new support groups as the needs arise.
Informational Forums
At least six times a year, ASN provides informational forums for clients and interested community members. Topics include treatment issues, nutrition, psycho-social issues, benefits information, personal budgeting, etc.