Our Impact

CAL-PEP’s Ending the HIV Epidemic – Housing Program provides emergency, transitional, and permanent housing support for individuals living HIV who are unhoused or those who are recently released from incarceration in Alameda County. Through comprehensive case management, linkage to medical and behavioral health services, and housing navigation. This program ensures that participants receive stable housing and the necessary support to achieve long-term health and self-sufficiency. By addressing social determinants of health, including assisting client with becoming and remaining virally suppressed; following U=U.

Outcomes

• Enrollment 19 clients

• 976 UOS expended or 244 hours of service offered

• 17 of the 19 ppl were navigated to Care

• 9 ppl received rapid rehousing services

• 17 were housed either in shelter, transitional or permanent housing

• 9 ppl received permanent housing

• 15 received a mental health screening

• 19 received mental health referrals

• 19 received substance use referrals

• 15 of 19 are virally suppressed

CAL-PEP’s Early Intervention Services (EIS) Program focuses on reducing HIV transmission and improving health outcomes among underserved populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and barriers to healthcare access. Through targeted outreach, and rapid HIV testing, and linkage to medical and behavioral health care, EIS plays a critical role in closing gaps in the HIV care continuum. With a mobile health approach, CAL-PEP ensures that individuals receive timely interventions, including PrEP, PEP, Doxy-PEP, and substance use support, to prevent new infections and enhance engagement in care.

Commitment to Community Health

Through these programs, CAL-PEP continues to be a leader in the fight to end the HIV epidemic in Alameda County. By combining housing stability, early detection, and healthcare navigation, CAL-PEP empowers individuals to take control of their health while fostering stronger, healthier communities.

Outcomes

• 100 community members received an updated HIV result

• 3 of the 100 had a confirmed HIV result

• 25 HIV+ individuals received navigation services to vital services that lead to optimal health.

Funded by Alameda County Public Health, CAL-PEP’s Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) Substance Abuse Program is designed to address the intersection of substance use, HIV treatment among MSM and Transgender communities of color. This program delivers trauma-informed, evidence-based substance use counseling and harm reduction services to individuals who are living with HIV. Utilizing the Seeking Safety model, CAL-PEP provides structured substance use support groups and individual counseling sessions that help clients address the co-occurring challenges of trauma and substance use. This holistic approach ensures that participants receive the tools and support they need to improve their overall health outcomes and quality of life.

Our Commitment to Equity and Wellness
CAL-PEP’s MAI Substance Abuse Program focuses on dismantling systemic barriers to care and empowering communities disproportionately affected by substance use and HIV. 

Outcomes

• 21 enrolled 

• 432 UOS or 108 hours of services

• 15 completed a substance use program

• 18 were virally supressed

Funded by ViiV Healthcare, CAL-PEP’s Risk to Reasons Program is an innovative initiative designed to empower Black women disproportionately impacted by HIV. This program shifts the narrative from focusing on risks to addressing the underlying reasons that create vulnerability, such as systemic inequities, trauma, lack of access to care, and social determinants of health. Through a combination of peer-led support, education, and advocacy, the program fosters resilience, self-determination, and improved health outcomes for participants.

Key components of the Risk to Reasons program include:

Culturally Tailored HIV Prevention: Providing access to HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, and other prevention tools in a stigma-free environment.

Trauma-Informed Care: Offering counseling and support services that address the intersections of trauma, substance use, and health disparities.

Leadership Development: Equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to become community advocates and leaders in the fight against HIV.

Holistic Support: Addressing social determinants of health through linkage to housing, healthcare, and social services.

Our Commitment to Empowerment

Through the Risk to Reasons program, CAL-PEP is creating a space where Black women are seen, heard, and supported in their journey toward health and wellness. By transforming barriers into pathways for empowerment, the program aims to reduce new HIV infections and advance health equity within Alameda County.

Funded by Alameda County Public Health, CAL-PEP’s Non-Medical Case Management Program offers comprehensive, client-centered support to individuals living with or at risk for HIV. This program is designed to address barriers to care and improve access to essential resources by providing personalized support and navigation services tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Key services include:

Linkage to Care: Connecting clients to medical providers, mental health services, and substance use treatment.

Housing Assistance: Navigating housing resources to promote stability and well-being.

Benefits Enrollment: Assisting clients with accessing public benefits, including health insurance, food assistance, and income support.

Health Education: Providing information on HIV prevention, treatment, and overall health promotion.

Crisis Intervention and Advocacy: Supporting clients in overcoming immediate challenges and advocating for their rights within social and healthcare systems.

Our Commitment to Equity and Access

The Non-Medical Case Management Program aims to reduce health disparities by addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to HIV vulnerability and poor outcomes. By building trust and offering holistic, compassionate support, CAL-PEP empowers individuals to achieve greater stability and control over their health and lives.

Funded by Alameda County Public Health, CAL-PEP’s Sexual Health Program provides comprehensive sexual health services aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV and STIs while promoting overall wellness. The program focuses on increasing access to testing, treatment, and prevention strategies for communities disproportionately impacted by sexual health disparities, including communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, and those experiencing housing instability.

Key services include:

Free & Confidential STI/HIV Testing & Treatment: Rapid HIV testing and screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other STIs.

Prevention & Harm Reduction: Access to PrEP, PEP, Doxy-PEP, condoms, and other prevention tools.

Sexual Health Education: Culturally tailored workshops and one-on-one education sessions to empower individuals with knowledge about safer sex practices and risk reduction.

Linkage to Care: Navigation services to connect individuals with medical care, mental health support, and additional social services.

Our Commitment to Sexual Health Equity

CAL-PEP’s Sexual Health Program is committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to high-quality, stigma-free sexual health services. By providing education, prevention, and direct care, CAL-PEP is working to create a healthier and more informed community.

Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Bay Area Safe Space is a community-driven initiative dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and housing instability. With funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we offer comprehensive harm reduction services, peer support, and access to essential healthcare resources.

Our mission is to empower individuals through trauma-informed care, culturally responsive support, and holistic wellness programs that address the complex needs of marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those experiencing homelessness.

The Healthy Divas Program is a peer-led, gender-affirming intervention designed to empower transgender women, particularly those living with HIV, to engage more effectively in healthcare and achieve personalized health goals. Developed by the University of California, San Francisco's Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, the program focuses on enhancing healthcare empowerment and providing gender affirmation support.

The intervention comprises six individual peer counseling sessions and a group workshop facilitated by healthcare providers experienced in HIV and transgender health. These sessions cover topics such as developing personal healthcare plans, strengthening support networks, and improving communication skills. The group workshop offers participants the opportunity to interact with medical experts and peers, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. 

Evaluations of the Healthy Divas program have demonstrated significant improvements in participants' engagement in HIV care and increased prescription of antiretroviral therapy (ART). These outcomes highlight the program's effectiveness in addressing the unique healthcare needs of transgender women living with HIV. 

California Prevention & Education Project (CAL-PEP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing health education, prevention services, and community support to underserved populations. Founded in 1984, CAL-PEP focuses on addressing HIV/AIDS, STIs, and overall public health disparities through outreach, advocacy, and direct services. With a commitment to equity and empowerment, CAL-PEP works to improve the well-being of individuals and communities across California.

A component of CAL-PEP is called “Coalition”, which consists of two coalition programs:

Coalition 1 provides essential services to the unhoused, including welcoming shower facilities, hot meals, and customized hygiene kits with snacks and educational materials. We also conduct Narcan distribution and food delivery outreach for vulnerable populations, along with referrals for STI and infectious disease testing. In the past year, Coalition 1 has made a significant impact through:

• Outreach & Education Engagements: 4,521

• Social Media Posts: 26,812

• Housing Workshop Participants: 13

• Showers Provided: 1,936

• Individuals Referred to Health Services: 55

Coalition 2 focuses on navigation services, offering referrals for housing, employment, and benefits assistance through navigation fairs, outreach efforts, and direct referrals. We collaborate with other nonprofit organizations to provide wraparound services that support long-term stability and well-being.

Through these initiatives, CAL-PEP continues to be a vital resource for those most in need across California.