The mission of Helping Our Members Evolve (HOME) is to reduce the rate of HIV infection and transmission among New York City-based Black & Latino MSM (men who have sex with men) and TGFSM (transgender women who have sex with men). We strive to support HIV-negative individuals in staying negative, and we work with HIV-positive individuals to ensure that they have access to care.

• To achieve our mission, HOME provides evidence-based HIV prevention interventions, mental health counseling, confidential rapid HIV testing as well as linkage to primary care, and supportive housing services within the larger Harlem United organization. HOME delivers service through three primary, complementary, and interconnected units – CEO, HOME, and Testing Services – in order to provide a continuum of prevention services and connection to care.

Managing Director, HOME:

Blanca Esquivel, MPA

besquivel@harlemunited.org

Director of Community Education and Training, HOME:

Daniel J. Rodriguez, MA

drodriguez@harlemunited.org

Director of Youth Space, HOME

Thaddeus J. Price

tprice@harlemunited.org

Community Education delivers evidence-based HIV prevention services in the form of individual-, group-, and community-level interventions. These interventions are designed to promote positive behavioral change by addressing the attitudes and values that may contribute to risky behavior and HIV transmission. Services are provided in a variety of ways, including Internet-based approaches, community outreach, and facilitated group discussions.  Interventions include:

POPULAR OPINION LEADER (POL) Intervention

The POL intervention is a community-level intervention that identifies well-respected individuals within a social network and uses their influence to promote and disseminate a new risk-reduction value among their community.  POL targets marginally-housed YMSM/YTGFSM (ages 13-24).

d-Up!: Defend Yourself! Intervention

 D-up! is a community-level program that aims to change social norms and perceptions of 18 – 29 yr old Black and Latino MSM who frequent Escuelita, SBNY and the Christopher St. Piers regarding condom use. D-up! finds and enlists Defenders whose advice is respected and trusted by their peers. The D-up! Defenders are trained to change risky sexual norms in their own social networks by engaging in conversations with their friends and acquaintances.

The Mixx Intervention

 The Mixx is a community-level program intended to build unity and support among 16 – 24 yr old Black & Latino MSM. To this end, a group of 8-10 individuals (Mixxens) come together to volunteer, design, and implement project activities and social events. The Mixxens meet and plan outings that allow for socializing outside of the bar/club scene. The Mixxens meet to create and run social groups, events, outreach, and publicity to help build a sense of community. The Mixxens rally fellow community members to get together, go to the movies, attend parties and play games. The Mixxens strive to create social support among their community.

Community PROMISE Intervention

PROMISE is a community-level program that promotes progress towards consistent HIV prevention through community mobilization and distribution of small-media materials and risk reduction supplies such as condoms. 16-29 yr old Black and Latino gay/bi men and their allies are recruited and trained to be Community Advocates and to distribute role model stories and risk reduction supplies on the streets of their communities. Role model stories are personal accounts from individuals in the target population explaining how and why they took steps to practice HIV risk-reduction behaviors and the positive effects the choices had on their lives. The messages in the role model stories are reinforced by interpersonal communication with the community advocates. Each week, Community Advocates distribute stories and supplies to their peers.

SISTA Intervention

SISTA is a group-level intervention designed to increase condom use among Black & Latino transwomen.  Group sessions are conducted that focus on ethnic and gender pride, HIV knowledge, and reducing sexual risk behaviors.

CLEAR Intervention

CLEAR is a health-promotion intervention designed for individuals 16 years and older who are HIV-positive or at high risk for HIV.  CLEAR utilizes cognitive-behavorial techniques to promote healthy behavioral changes in the lives of participants.

Many Men Many Voices Intervention

3MV is a group-level program that addresses behavioral and social determinant factors that influence the HIV/STI risk and protective behaviors of Black and Latino MSM. Factors include cultural, social, and religious norms, identity of black MSM and their degree of connectedness to the black and gay communities, HIV/STI interactions, sexual relationship dynamics, racism, and homophobia. The program consists of 6 consecutive 2- to 3-hour sessions delivered during a weekend retreat.

The HOME Drop-in Center is designed to meet the needs of 16- to 29-year old Black and Latino men and transwomen who have sex with men by providing a locally-sited, nurturing drop-in space (located at 104 East 126th Street). HOME provides a range of HIV prevention interventions in a culturally-appropriate, residential setting. Through its comfortable environment and sociable atmosphere, HOME affirms self-identity, increases positive health-seeking behaviors, and reduces HIV transmission among individuals who might otherwise be unlikely to seek out services. All services within HOME are free of charge to members.

HOME membership requirements:

• Black and Latino man or transwoman who has sex with men
• Between the ages of 16 – 29 years old
• Attend a minimum of three HOME groups per month
• Access a minimum of one individual coaching/counseling service per month

Internet Café

Our free internet café is accessible to community and HOME members Tuesday – Friday between 12pm – 2pm. It is accessible exclusively to HOME members thereafter and between scheduled groups. Members are welcome to a variety of coffee, tea, and snacks while in the HOME Space.

HOME Groups

Social Support Groups: What’s The T?, Real Talk

Psycho-educational Groups: Ink Expressions, Budget Bites

Social Recreational Groups: Game Time, Roku Time, Mixx Tape

We offer free on-site, evidenced-based, and client-centered mental health counseling with our Clinical Director. Areas of specialty include: Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, gender and sexuality issues, crisis intervention, coping with HIV, couples counseling, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and grief counseling.

The Testing Services Unit offers free and confidential HIV/ STI counseling, testing, and referral services to LGBT youth between the ages of 16 and 29.  Rapid oral HIV testing and STI screenings (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis) are provided in the HOME space as well as at bars, clubs, and street locations throughout NYC. No appointment is necessary.

The Testing Services Unit also provides HIV/STI prevention outreach and education.

*Hepatitis A & B vaccinations also available.

LOCATION:

Free and confidential HIV testing and STI screening services are offered on location at:

104 East 126th Street

Suite 1A

New York, NY

1-855-TEST-BMI

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Tuesday – Friday: 12:00pm – 7:00pm

MOBILE TESTING:

HIV/ STI screenings are offered outside of popular clubs/ bars and at multiple locations throughout the month. To get tested in one of our mobile units or for more information on our calendar of events, contact:

Krupa Hart, Program Coordinator, Testing Services: khart@harlemunited.org or by phone: 646-216-3266, ext. 1297.

BRINGING TESTING TO YOU:

To schedule a testing event at your location or at an upcoming event, contact us at 646-216-3266, ext. 1297 or by email: khart@harlemunited.org