Squarely facing the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak, AIDS Action—New England’s largest provider of services to people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS—is taking to the streets “on foot, on bikes, and in the Access van,” along with its efforts online and on the phone.
Here are some of the ways they’re doing it, featured in an April 10 press release:
- The Youth on Fire center is temporarily closed. Although the drop-in center is currently closed, staff continue to serve clients remotely. Staff reach clients on a daily basis by phone and through e-mail. Supplies and resources are supplied through the mail and via digital food cards.
- Our Access: Drug User Health Program has transformed the way they serve clients while the drop-in spaces are closed. Staff have pivoted to doing street outreach on foot, on bikes, and in the Access van to meet clients where they are to ensure they get the supplies they need to stay healthy. They are also doing new client intakes via phone and continue to connect people to services and care.
- The Housing, Legal, Community-Based Case Management, and Sexual Health teams continue their important work remotely by connecting with clients to provide support and essential resources.
- Rental assistance and utility payments continue. This team has created a new version of the assistance application that can be e-signed by clients and referring advocates/case managers.
- We are working to finalize a new date for Taste of the South End (originally scheduled for March 24). More to come!
- As of today, the AIDS Walk & Run is scheduled for June 7. We are evaluating that event as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Please stick with us—continue to fundraise if you’re signed up, or register to walk or run if you haven’t already.
Also in the release, AIDS Action shares a recent success stories (from just last week):
A client who was facing imminent eviction contacted the AIDS Action legal services team in desperate need of help. Their landlord obtained an eviction order which would mean that our client would be living on the street. Legal services filed a motion to dismiss the case and began working to locate the funds to pay the client’s back rent. Due to quick work by our housing and legal services teams, we’re happy to report that the client’s housing will be saved.
YOU saved this client’s housing. It is only through your generous support that our legal, housing, and all of AIDS Action can continue to do the work we do—especially during difficult moments in time like this. We are working hard at AIDS Action to continue to provide the essential services our clients rely on.
Learn more about AIDS Action, including opportunities to contribute through a donation, at aac.org.
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