When Bill first came to Catholic Charities AIDS Services a year ago, he was homeless and his health was very unstable. He was experiencing some significant family turmoil, living with relatives temporarily.

After his enrollment in the COBRA Program, he started to go to medical appointments with the support of his case management team. The team would arrange transportation, attend his appointment and take time to re-explain information given by his medical providers to help him to make decisions about his healthcare. He began to realize that his health was worse than he thought. Eventually, he consented to two surgical procedures after a lot of worry and convincing.

As a senior citizen, the 60 years of heavy smoking had taken a toll on his health in addition to the HIV. He has quit smoking and is very proud of that accomplishment. He now makes his own transportation arrangements and only occasionally needs someone to come to his medical appointments with him. Overall, he feels much better.

In addition to his journey with improving his health, Bill has been tenacious in improving his housing situation. After living in a couple shelters, he was able to get a small apartment. He likes his new living arrangement. It allows him to break free of bad influences and to have some distance from his family.

Bill is now taking care of himself and making his health a priority.