Who We Are
Mission
HBI PRO representing Power, Respect, and Opportunity (Poder, Respeto, y Oportunidad) is committed to eliminating the language, stigma, and access barriers faced by non-English-speaking LGBTQIA+ individuals.
We provide a safe and affirming space for access to infectious and chronic disease screenings, PrEP navigation, and culturally responsive patient support. Through workshops and personalized navigation, we connect individuals to housing, employment, hormone therapy access, legal name change assistance, immigration resources, and other life-stabilizing services.
Vision
HBI PRO envisions communities where every LGBTQIA+ individual has the power to make informed health decisions, the respect of culturally responsive care, and the opportunity to thrive through stable housing, meaningful employment, and access to essential services, regardless of language or background.
Our Services
Patient Navigation and Support Services
- Healthcare case management / Linkage to care and clinical trials
- Basic healthcare and preventative screenings for overall health, STIs, HIV, Hepatitis, and chronic conditions including diabetes, fatty liver, and heart disease
- Language translation assistance in healthcare settings
- Mental health counseling navigation
- Substance misuse / harm reduction resources
- Community Workshops
- Health Outreach and Education
How It Began
HBI PRO was born from a real moment in the field in 2024.
While conducting outreach at a shelter in Washington, D.C., our team met a Latino man who had left Santo Domingo after experiencing bullying and discrimination because he was gay. In his home country, he had been studying law. But upon arriving in the United States, he found himself isolated, navigating a new system without language access, healthcare, or support.
When he connected with our Community Health Workers, including Spanish-speaking staff, it was the first time he felt understood.
He needed help enrolling in healthcare.
He needed support navigating immigration resources.
He was also living with hepatitis C and needed treatment.
Through culturally responsive support, he was able to access care, and in time, began referring others from his community who faced similar barriers.
His story was not unique.
Across shelters, community events, and neighborhoods throughout the DMV region, we were meeting individuals who needed more than testing, they needed safe entry points, trusted guidance, and services delivered in a way that respected their language, identity, and lived experience.
This became the foundation for HBI PRO.
Stories of Impact
While representing HBI PRO, Alicia had a heartwarming encounter with a young man who approached her during the event. As they spoke about the challenges and strengths within the Latino LGBTQ+ community, Alicia shared words of encouragement and hope. He confided that he often felt alone and that Alicia’s words had been a great blessing to him, something he truly needed to hear in that moment.
Erik met a client at an HBI PRO event in DC. The client shared that he recently lost his job and had nowhere to live. He also confided that he had been struggling with depression since his wife passed away last year and had started drinking. Erik connected him with a local shelter for immediate support, and the HBI team will assist him with job placement resources and linkage to mental health services.
