Street Outreach

ACOS Street Outreach Program was formed to address the growing concern of lack of HIV education among high risk populations. Initially in collaboration with Youth Pride, Inc., this program targeted young people between the ages of (13-25). Today we stand strong with a much broader vision, which resulted from the visible needs beyond the previous targeted population. We have expanded our geographic, ethnical, social and age groups parameters, to all at high risk for HIV populations.

The Street Outreach Program is composed by a very diverse group of men and women that are representative of our targeted population. Our Outreach team moves in groups, wearing bright yellow back packs, making them easily identifiable. They distribute safer sex materials, toiletries, snacks, alcohol wipes, RIPTix and referral cards with information about, drug counseling, HIV testing, needle exchange, shelters and other available services that those at risk may need.

This program strengthens the community in two ways, first it provides community members with information and services. ACOS empowers our community with information about how to stay healthy and safe and how to avoid contracting HIV or HCV. Built on a risk/harm-reduction model, Street Outreach is about meeting people on their level and providing them with clear understandable information and materials. Second, the Street outreach program employs people of all ages from the neighborhoods they serve. By employing community members, ACOS puts much needed resources back into the community. In addition the outreach workers have the unique ability to work with people, who do not have contact with more traditional service providers.

Currently we can be found in the following areas:

Mondays: Cranston Street 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Tuesdays: West Friendship / Broad St. 11:30 – 1:30 PM (Crossroads / Amos House area)
Woonsocket 11:30 – 1:30 (Arnold St. area)
Elmwood Ave 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Broad St / Downtown 8:00 – 10:00 PM

Wednesdays: Manton / Hartford Ave. 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Thayer St. 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Downtown 8:00 – 10:00 PM

Thursdays: Prairie Ave. 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Elmwood Ave / Broad St. 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Downtown Clubs 11:00 – 1:00 AM (every other Thursday)

Fridays: Newport 11:30 – 1:30 PM (MLK Center and Wheatland Blvd. areas)

We are always open for business Monday – Friday 8:30 – 4:30 at

605 Elmwood Ave. Providence, RI 02907
Phone: (401) 781-0665
Fax: (401) 781-0616