The National HIV/AIDS Coalition
The National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition is working to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by ensuring that persons living with HIV/AIDS have quality, affordable and appropriate housing. Accomplishing this through policy and resource advocacy, fostering, translating, and disseminating research, and convening leaders to affect change at the local, national, and international levels.
Executive Director
Lauren Banks
Lauren Banks, ED
For over ten years, the Rev. Lauren Banks has worked in healthcare and housing policy, with a specific focus on housing as the cornerstone to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Lauren has been an integral part of NHAHC’s efforts for years, where she has shared her expertise in HOPWA policy and the intersection between the Ryan White program and HOPWA. She has worked with local jurisdictions in improving their HOPWA programs and is a recognized international speaker and author. The majority of her time is dedicated to advocating on Capitol Hill and fighting for high-quality housing options for low-income individuals living with HIV.
Lauren holds a BA from the University of Alabama and a Masters in Fine Arts and a Masters in Divinity. She is an ordained Episcopal priest in Arlington, Virginia.
HOME TA Center Director
Rita Harcrow has dedicated more than two decades to advancing affordable housing, community development, and health equity at the local, state, and federal levels. She joined the National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition as Director of the HOME TA Center in 2025, where she leads efforts to expand technical assistance, training, and resources that help communities create and sustain housing solutions for people living with HIV.
Rita has served as Deputy Regional Director for HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (Region IV), overseeing programs across nine Southeastern states and territories. Prior to that, she led HUD’s Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, managing the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program—growing the office and its portfolio during her nine-year tenure as Director.
Her earlier career spans more than 20 years in rural Alabama, where she led a Ryan White HIV medical clinic and developed housing programs funded by HOME, CDBG, and HOPWA. Throughout her career, Rita has been a champion for equitable housing, technical assistance, and community-driven solutions that improve stability and health outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Eckerd College and brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to the mission of NHAHC and the HOME TA Center.