choice of two women behind the bullet-proof glass. One looked kindly and understanding, and the other looked like she would eat three children for breakfast. We ended up with the latter one.
This hatchet-faced lady was extremely thorough, and if anyone really was trying to cheat the system, they would fail at the first hurdle. The crass “points make prizes” attitude was all too apparent - extra points for being HIV, extra points for being homeless, add points for mental

instability, and bonus points for over-crowding.
Then there were the telephone calls to unsuspecting friends to confirm that Mark was in fact sleeping on floors and genuinely in need. A follow-up appointment was made, and he is now waiting to hear the outcome.
Mark’s biggest fear was to hear himself say: “I am positive, symptomatic, on medication, receiving psychiatric help and I have no where to live...”
Sometimes the truth can really hit home. I kept reminding him of the reason he was putting himself through this ordeal.
Since having my own place, I no longer worry about my future in London. I know that I will always have a roof over my head, and this feeling of security somehow makes HIV more manageable for me. I would love Mark to have the same peace of mind.
So for anyone out there who is positive and troubled by their living situation, be prepared for a difficult task ahead, but please do not give up hope. Whatever people’s views on HIV benefits

are, no one can deny that you deserve the chance of a decent home of your own. It’s going to take

a lot more effort than just clicking your ruby slippers three times, but hopefully it will be a story with a happy end.