The employment landscape for PLWH in the Hartford Transitional Grant Area (TGA) presents significant challenges. According to the 2022 Statewide Needs Assessment Survey, 54.46% of PLWH were unemployed, with 59.46% unemployment within the TGA. Among respondents, 78% of individuals over 50 lacked access to career and life skills training, limiting their ability to secure stable, fulfilling employment.

Further highlighting the issue, the CDC’s 2021 Medical Monitoring Project found that 39% of adults diagnosed with HIV reported unemployment or inability to work, a substantial indicator of barriers such as stigma, health-related limitations, and systemic socioeconomic challenges.

Additionally, results from a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) provider survey emphasized the lack of confidence among service providers in delivering effective employment support. Many staff members expressed that:

• They lacked adequate time to focus on employment assistance.

• They require additional training to better support clients in securing jobs.