Reaching low-income women at risk of AIDS: a case history of a drop-in center for women in the South Bronx, New York City.

The Women's Drop-In Center, sponsored by a church with an active social ministry, offered education and support to African-American and Latina women at risk of HIV infection in a low-income community in New York City. Peer educators were trained to provide information, counseling and referrals on substance abuse, sexuality, HIV infection and related issues. The drop-in center offered a safe space for participants to discuss common concerns, learn about community resources and support each others' efforts to protect their health. Based on an evaluation that included quantitative and qualitative measures of changes in participating individuals and organizations, it is suggested that grass-roots community organizations can play an important role in AIDS prevention but they may need additional resources to sustain the intensive interventions that are likely to lead to lasting changes in neighborhoods with other significant social problems.