The Johnson County Department of Health stated that there were 86 AIDS cases in the county as of July 1999. As part of the City's CDBG program, ICARE conducted a housing study and survey of persons with HIV/AIDS that was completed in March 1994. A more current study has not been completed, however, in July 1999 the Executive Director of ICARE stated that the information in the survey is still accurate.
The study states that "in terms of housing needs, housing assistance appears to be the most effective and necessary kind of support needed by people living with HIV/AIDS". According to the survey results, 91 households out of 129 answering the question had incomes under $11,000 (1993 dollars) per year and of these 44 had incomes under $6,000 (1993 dollars) per year. The income level of this population, affected by illness and inability to work, clearly shows the need for housing or rent assistance.
Other statistics in the study indicate that the need for in-home services (such as cleaning and shopping) is as important as the need for housing, specifically rent assistance. The majority (70%) of the persons answering the survey lived with someone, usually family members, friends, or a spouse. Persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, according to the survey results, do not require special housing accommodations until the illness reaches a point where full-time medical care and equipment are needed. As such, this group is able to access the existing stock of rental and owner-occupied units in Iowa City.
