Exploring cash transfers to help homeless LGBTQ youth access HIV services
Official title: Policy and implementation context of an unconditional cash transfer program to address homelessness and improve HIV service uptake among marginalized youth in the United States
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11163454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how giving cash directly to homeless young people, especially those from LGBTQ communities, can help them get the HIV prevention and treatment services they need, while also figuring out what works best to support them and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $114,368 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MD020002-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are homeless youth and young adults, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ, who are at risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not homeless or do not identify as LGBTQ may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how unconditional cash transfers can support homeless youth, particularly those from LGBTQ communities, in accessing HIV prevention and treatment services. It aims to understand the policy and implementation context surrounding these cash transfer programs and their effectiveness in addressing homelessness and improving health outcomes. By documenting existing policies and identifying barriers, the research seeks to develop innovative strategies tailored to the unique needs of marginalized youth. The approach includes engaging with community partners and stakeholders to ensure the program is adaptable and responsive to the evolving challenges faced by these young individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to HIV services and better health outcomes for homeless LGBTQ youth.
How similar studies have gone: While cash transfer programs have been implemented in various contexts, this specific approach targeting homeless LGBTQ youth and their unique challenges is relatively novel and underexplored.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Amrita — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Rao, Amrita
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.