The Road Back

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Walking pneumonia and meningitis made worse by HIV almost killed Patrick.  “I remember the ‘whoosh’ of the doors in isolation, he recalls. “Like being sealed in a vacuum.”

But Patrick doesn’t like to dwell on the extended period of time he spent in the hospital. “Being well starts in your mind,” he says. “When I was sick, I just looked forward to not being sick anymore.”

Since then, Patrick has gotten better – remarkably better.  Now living on his own in Van Nuys—in a one-bedroom apartment largely subsidized by Alliance for Housing and Healing—Patrick has taken on a life of independence, one step at a time. It’s been a stretch, especially financially. Government benefits help cover the $268 monthly rent, but to still have enough left over for food, medical care, and transportation, Patrick must budget carefully. Luckily, he receives the help he needs managing his money from an Alliance visiting support service staffer who makes house calls. Together, they have worked out a service plan to meet Patrick’s immediate needs.

Paramount is Patrick saving enough for the long bus ride to Beverly Hills to see his physician, Dr. Mark Honzel (who serves on the board of Alliance for Housing and Healing).  For eight years, Dr. Honzel has cheerily welcomed Patrick every month with a big smile and hug.  Together, they work on balancing Patrick’s meds and ensuring that his health remains stable.

IMG_9900Patrick’s strict medication regimen requires that he eat regular, healthy meals.  To assist with the grocery bills, Alliance for Housing and Healing provides a $100 voucher to Ralphs, where Patrick can shop on his own for the fresh produce and other staples of his HIV-specific diet. Mini pot pies cooked in a muffin pan are a ‘Patrick Special.’  He adds almost anything to a base of creamy mushroom soup and bakes it until the top is golden brown.

Patrick was diagnosed with HIV nearly 30 years ago.  “Back then, they called it the Black Plague,” he remembers.  “I lost so many friends and lovers.  I would like to be with someone now.  But I can’t subject myself to that kind of loss and hurt again.”  So, for the most part, Patrick keeps to himself.  There are good days and bad days, he says.  On the better days, he thinks about venturing further, perhaps volunteering.

“Above all, I would like to be helpful,” he says.

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Best in Drag Show 2014

August 19, 2014 by admin

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“Every year they outdo themselves.  This show is the spectacle of the season!”—Kathy Griffin

“Rude, inappropriate, hysterical!” is how Emmy-winning actress, donor and past celebrity judge Holland Taylor describes the Best in Drag Show.  This fantastic, annual competition raises thousands of dollars for Aid for AIDS, a program of Alliance for Housing and Healing that for 30 years has provided essentials of living to people with HIV/AIDS.

A fundraiser? Yes. But this is no ordinary chicken dinner.

At its heart, Best in Drag elevates the beauty contest to the highest form of flattery—total parody.  Think Miss America with a big, tongue-in-cheek twist!

Tickets are selling fast.  You can get yours by calling 323-344-4880 or clicking here.

11th Annual Best in Drag Show Benefit for Aid for Aidsover $350,000 was raised for people living with HIV/AidsStill basking in the glory of her 2013 win, Miss New Jersey—Vava Fanculo—will return to the stage to delight us with a final performance. Vava, who has already warned the other contestants she may keep her crown, also helpfully pointed out at last week’s rehearsal where to stand when her feathers go flying.  “No, I will not tell you what I am doing,” Vava says, “but it will be amazing!”

Dr. Mark Honzel and Klean Treatment Centers with CEO Andrew Spanswick have renewed their commitment to the Best in Drag Show and Aid for AIDS with a very generous sponsorship at the Diamond Diva level.  To join Mark and see a list of our other major sponsors who are excited to have their brands showcased at this highly anticipated event, please click here.

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Thank You, Rick!

August 19, 2014 by admin

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“Rick was passionate about theater and movies,” recalls John Bowab of his friend, Rick Mandell. At the time of their first meeting in 1966, both were investors in Broadway’s Mame.  For much of his life, Rick made his home in New York City, where he was a key investor in about a dozen shows.  For a second act, he moved to Los Angeles to manage actors, traveling often to visit his many friends in NY, LA and around the world.

Rick’s love of show business, says John, was matched only by his bigheartedness and thoughtful manner. Rick’s generosity of spirit has now also touched Alliance for Housing and Healing in a very personal way.

Rick, who passed away from cancer shortly after his diagnosis at age 84, added to the list of beneficiaries in his will our flagship program for people in need—Aid for AIDS.

Have you thought about planned giving?

Planned giving allows you to ensure that your assets are distributed as you wish after your death.  Once you take care of your loved ones, you might want to help your favorite cause by leaving a portion of your estate to charity.  You can give cash, stocks, retirement accounts, and other assets to charity by stating your wishes in your will.  We suggest you seek the help of an expert as you draft your legal will and, if you want to leave a bequest to Alliance for Housing and Healing, add this:

I give and bequeath to Alliance for Housing and Healing (EIN 95-4147364) the sum of $ ____ (or a percentage of your estate) as an unrestricted gift to further the mission of the organization.

If you have already designated Alliance for Housing and Healing as a beneficiary in your will, please let us know.  We want to share your story.  Your thoughtfulness will serve as an inspiration to others.

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A Strategic Plan to Meet the Need

August 19, 2014 by admin

AHH_logo_color_for_website.jpgThe Board of Directors of Alliance for Housing and Healing recently completed a thoughtful process that culminated in a three-year strategic plan. The need for truly affordable housing in Los Angeles is increasing and all of our programs have waiting lists. In order to meet the growing demand, we must increase our financial and human resources.

We are faced with staggering challenges. In addition to HIV/AIDS, many of our clients are dealing with substance abuse, mental illness, and other debilitating physical ailments that keep them unstable and unhealthy. To continue to fight homelessness with long-term housing solutions for our clients, we must ensure that we have:
• Significant and diversified funding,
• Housing options with various levels of support,
• Talented staffers that can serve the needs of our clients.

Through newsletters and periodic updates, we will keep you informed as we develop these resources and follow our strategic plan. But, to be part of the solution, contact Carole King at 323-344-4880 and cking@alliancehh.org . Donate. Advocate. Join.

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Men in Heels for a Great Cause

August 1, 2014 by admin

Jim and Ever Men in Heels 1Ever Salcedo and James Allaire are party planners and philanthropists.  These wonderful hosts turned their summer gathering into a truly memorable soiree called “Men in Heels” and asked their guests to make donations to Aid for AIDS, a program of Alliance for Housing and Healing.  More than $800 was collected from their many friends – most in heels – who also enjoyed the special t-shirts and auction items that helped make the party a great success.  As longtime fans of our largest annual event the Best in Drag Show, James and Ever also raffled off two tickets to this famous fundraiser.

By day, James is an attorney and Ever is an interior designer.  But, if their recent party is any indication, perhaps these two should think about event planning.

Thank you Ever and James!

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