Safety Net: Emergency Financial Assistance

Some of the common “barriers to care” we see on Long Island are housing insecurity or homelessness, food insecurity, lack of transportation, substance abuse, mental health conditions, and difficulties associated with low or fixed-income households. Sometimes the services that are available are limited, or situations are unique and cannot be meet through traditional “public assistance” resources or other sources. This program addresses the “gaps” in the system, such as when applications for benefits are pending and a person has no source of income for basic needs. Safety Net mainly provides food cards, clothing vouchers, transportation vouchers, and packages personal care items. Sometimes this program can provide for additional unique needs, such as requests for mattresses or air conditioners. Safety Net is meant to meet emergency financial needs not covered by other sources, in order that People Living with HIV/AIDS can live well and stay healthy. All applications have a review process to ensure proper use of funds.