How We Can Partner with AIDS Services of Dallas
The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Our Community
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community. In 2017, gay and bisexual men accounted for 66% of all HIV diagnoses. Since many in the LGBTQ community face discrimination in society, they are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Dallas County has the highest rate of new HIV infection in Texas. Approximately 5-10% of homeless people are HIV positive. Since many low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in Dallas tend to move from place to place often, they do not have access to the support services needed to manage the disease and minimize transmissions.
Although we understand more about the disease now, there is still a stigma attached to the disease. Because of the stigma associated with the disease, HIV/AIDS is a serious public health problem as those fighting the disease experience obstacles when obtaining adequate treatment, education, employment, and housing.
Organizations such as the AIDS Services of Dallas work to remove the social stigma while providing a variety of services to care for the most vulnerable in our community.
The Mission of AIDS Services of Dallas
The mission of AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD) is to create and strengthen healthy communities by providing quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.
Operating on the core values of respect, justice, and mercy, ASD provides a range of services to remove barriers to care for residents and to empower them to cope with the lifelong impact of HIV/AIDS on their physical, mental, emotional, and financial health.
The Core Programs of AIDS Services of Dallas
ASD’s core programs and services include congregate housing, case management, medical case management, transportation services, and food services. They also provide youth summer programs that help build self-esteem and social skills and provide hands-on learning experiences.
ASD has a great staff and volunteers to meet the changing daily needs of their residents. They have on-site case managers and registered nurses that provide emergency and crisis services 24 hours on weekdays and weekends.
The Impact of AIDS Services of Dallas
Since its opening, ASD has served 2,148 men, women, and children and has provided 1,460,519 nights of housing. Currently, ASD is home for over 220 men, women, families, and children. But their impact is far greater than their statistics. They provide a safe, nurturing environment for a group that has been isolated for a long time in our community. They respect and love their residents, bringing dignity back to charity.
How We Can Support AIDS Services of Dallas
Since ASD focuses on caring for the most vulnerable in our community, Chase Oaks Church is partnering with them to make a difference. This season, we have two great ways we can support AIDS Services of Dallas.
Give Generously
We can give generously to the #LoveDoesTheUnexpected Fund, where we will disperse a percentage of these funds to aid ASD in loving people with HIV/AIDS.
Our donations will go toward providing housing and support services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. To show love to the most vulnerable in our community, you can give now.
Act Surprisingly
Supper Clubs provide a nutritious meal to ASD residents and give them an opportunity for social interaction that many residents are unable to get on a day-to-day basis. Supper Clubs are sponsored by local organizations.
At Chase Oaks, we will be providing an opportunity for you to serve and love those affected by HIV/AIDS through Chase Oaks sponsored Supper Clubs. If you or your group is interested in being a part of ASD’s Supper Clubs, please email [email protected] and let us know.