June 2009

ACA on Facebook and Myspace

Joining with the millions of others who are actively participating on on-line social networking sites, AIDS Community Alliance has launched Facebook and Myspace sites. The sites provide a means of communicating withothers dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by HIV and AIDS in South Central Pennsylvania.

Visit ACA's pages today and become our fan (Facebook) or friend (myspace) to be kept up-to-date on agency activies and programs and to participate in the on-line discussions. Together we can make a difference in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Click on the Facebook or myspace logos to be directed to the pages for AIDS Community Alliance.

For more information please call 1.800.867.1550.

June 2009

Each day 155 people in the United States are infected with HIV.

21% of them have no idea!

What is driving the reported increases in new HIV cases in United States?

A significant theory rests in the high percentage of people in the United States who are living with the virus and have no idea they are infected.

Domestically, more than 1 in 5 HIV+ individuals do not have a clue that they are infected with HIV.

For many there are no real symptoms when they become infected. The only way to know is to get tested!

As we approach National HIV Testing Day (June 27th), please support AIDS Community Alliance in its efforts to assure that HIV testing is available throughout South Central Pennsylvania. Join with others in the community in making a $21 dollar contribution during June. To make your contribution please visit 21% Campaign

Your gift supports efforts to provide everyone in our community with the opportunity to know their status!

100% of your gift supports HIV and AIDS services, prevention and testing in South Central Pennsylvania

May 2009

Ever wonder what it may have been like to plan the Last Supper?

WANTED

Volunteers in Carlisle, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York to plan Dine Out 2009: The Last Supper

After more than 15 years of Dine Out in South Central Pennsylvania, the event will come to a close on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Volunteers on local steering committees will be essential in helping close the event's amazing run on a high note.

Interested in volunteering on your local Dine Out committee?

For more information or to sign up for a local steering committee, call 1.800.867.1550 or e-mail
Dine Out 2009: The Last Supper.

April 2009

HIV-Related Housing Services Program Taking Shape

As part of its commitment to the needs of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in South Central Pennsylvania, ACA's board of directors recently examined the Agency's housing programs as part of its strategic plan. Current programs focus on stabilizing housing during periods of crisis through rental, mortgage and utility assistance. The strategic plan of the Agency, however, includes accompanying individuals and families living with HIV beyond crises into sustainable, quality living arrangements.
ACA's expanded Housing Services Program will be led by Eva O'Diam. With partial funding from the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, the Program will continue rental, mortgage and utility assistance, but will introduce these new elements:

• Housing Information Services-This program will seek out developing housing opportunities and related programs and disseminate information directly to individuals accessing the program or to case managers working with individuals and families throughout the fourteen-county region.
• Basic Housing Assistance- This program will help individuals living with HIV and their families to identifying their housing needs, review existing resources and target new housing options taking into account accessibility to the client's on-going medical care.
• Linkage to Community Housing Resources-This program includes identification of resources and helping to make them available to those affected by HIV.
• Positive Living: A Roommate Connection Service-Modeled after a proven program in Atlanta, Positive Living will provide roommate screening services. Currently in development, the Agency hopes to make this program available by July 2009.

For more information on these new developments, call AIDS Community Alliance at 1.800.867.1550 or email Eva.