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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Catherine Magee, MPH, Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, HSS 326, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132, 415-341-1031, catiemagee@rcn.com and Emalie Huriaux, MPH, Women's Community Clinic, 2166 Hayes #104, San Francisco, CA 94110.

Background/Significance: Gender, race, class, and sexuality create a unique set of requirements for addressing HIV risk among women. The lives of homeless and marginally housed women include experiences of violence, criminalization, racism, sex work, drug use, poverty, and trauma, increasing their vulnerability to HIV and other negative health outcomes. Prevention strategies for this community must address the social, cultural, and ideological health determinants that shape their health and wellness. Since 2004, the Women's Community Clinic (WCC) has provided services to biological and transgender homeless and marginally housed women in San Francisco's Mission District through a weekly drop-in program called Ladies' Night. Hosted in collaboration with three other local agencies, Ladies' Night is a women-only, resource-rich drop-in program providing women with massage, clean needles, safe sex and hygiene products, social interaction, and connections to health and social service resources.

Purpose & Methods: In early 2006, an exploratory evaluation was conducted in order to examine the benefits and challenges of Ladies' Night and to determine opportunities to advocate for the women it serves. The evaluation utilized an ethnographic perspective, employing both qualitative interviews with Ladies' Night staff and clients as well as participant observation field notes in an effort to explore the sociocultural relationships that exist within the Ladies' Night community.

Findings: The evaluation findings will be forthcoming upon project completion in April 2006. It is the WCC's hope that these findings will illustrate the role of community-building, social support and empowerment in positive health outcomes for homeless and marginally housed women.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to

• Describe how the context of homeless and marginally housed women’s lives contributes to their risk for HIV.
• Articulate the value of qualitative research methods in evaluating services for homeless women.
• Recognize the value of women-centered services for homeless and marginally housed women.

Keywords: Homeless, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation