AIDS Foundation Chicago

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its ruling on one of the most significant SCOTUS cases about the rights of people experiencing homelessness that the United States has seen decades. AFC and the Center for Housing & Health are deeply concerned by the court’s ruling. Instead of working toward the root cause of this country’s homelessness crisis – housing – this ruling has now made it legal for Grants Pass and other cities and states across the country to criminalize people experiencing homelessness. Read our full response on the AFC blog here: https://bit.ly/3W1WGYx

Thanks to all who attended the Getting To Zero Illinois 2.0 Launch Event yesterday! Today is National HIV Testing Day, and testing is a critical piece of our plan to get to zero new HIV diagnoses in Illinois. Encourage people close to you to get tested!

At yesterday's workshop, we were proud to host Governor J.B. Pritzker for opening remarks, and other officials whose presence alongside all attendees signaled strong support for Getting to Zero. Together, we are committed to ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030. Visit https://bit.ly/4cDRsrd to explore the full GTZ-IL Plan 2.0.

Check out what one of our employees found over the weekend while thrifting: a vintage t-shirt from 1999!

Don't forget to register for this year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago at aidsrunwalk.org 🥳

Earlier this month, AFC in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) , Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) and Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), hosted the annual Women’s Connection Summit of Hope. This event provides critical support and resources for cis and transgender women recently released from the Illinois correctional system.

The Summit’s holistic approach was designed to support every aspect of reentry into society, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote empowerment. “Participants were thrilled with the invaluable access to identification, health screenings, and an array of empowerment services that the Summit provided. Together, through collaboration and partnership, we create positive change,” said Cynthia Tucker, Senior Vice President of Community Partnerships and Special Projects at AFC.

Learn more:

Women’s Connection Summit of Hope lives up to its name - AIDS Foundation of Chicago On June 11th, the Fellowship Chicago Church on the south side buzzed with activity as the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) and Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), hosted the....

For Pride Month, WTTW - Chicago PBS will be airing CHICAGO STORIES: THE OUTRAGE OF DANNY SOTOMAYOR on Friday, June 28 at 9:00 pm. Folks can also stream this documentary on the PBS app.

Check out this incredible story of a Chicago AIDS activist!

A Chicagoan Who Wouldn't Take No for an Answer Chicago Stories: The Outrage of Danny Sotomayor tells the story of a Chicagoan who wouldn’t take no for an answer in his crusade for equal rights and fight for AIDS treatment for his community. The film’s producer-writer Dan Andries tells us more about Sotomayor’s life and work.

At AFC, we Lime with Pride. See if you qualify for Lime Access at the link below for free and reduced cost rides - clients of AFC and the HUB can call the HUB if you have trouble proving your eligibility at 844-482-4040.⁠

https://services.sheerid.com/verify/6390e2e26b60617208902b2f/?layout=landing&locale=en_US
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Thanks to Lime for offering Lime Access to AFC staff and clients to help us get where we need to go! ⁠
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ALSO, visit the HIV HUB and Lime at Chicago Pride Fest this Saturday, June 22nd between 11am - 6pm. Enter via the Teen Pride Space off of Waveland between Broadway and Halsted. Lime will have scooters and helmets to demonstrate riding and will also be doing merch giveaways!
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In-person registration is full, but you can still attend virtually!

Sign up for the zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtd--vqDguH9Wx3ADeQ7d15FYWeIcaNGiM

Thanks to everyone for your outpouring of interest in the GTZ-IL Plan 2.0 Launch - we can't wait to see you there!

Visit the eventbrite here for full details: https://bit.ly/4bXQtCv

In honor of Juneteenth - Freedom Day - we revisit a blog post by Tristan Cabello about how q***r Black luminaries found freedom in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood in the 1920s, and fought for freedom during the Civil Rights movement, Gay Liberation movement, and as AIDS activists in the early days of the epidemic. ⁠
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Q***r Bronzeville: A Short History of Black Q***r Chicago and AIDS Activism, 1920-1985 - AIDS Foundation of Chicago By Tristan Cabello Bronzeville is often thought of as one of Chicago’s most prominent, African-American neighborhoods, but it was also home to a vibrant, well-accepted q***r culture that emerged in the 1920s. From State Street to Cottage Grove Avenue, along 43rd and 47th Street, Bronzeville’s co...

Looking for some great summer reads? We’ve got you covered with a curated selection of books that explore the people and history at the heart of the HIV epidemic. These ten books are AFC staff picks that offer moving stories, historical insights, and unvoiced reflections to move, inspire, and educate you. ⁠
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Share with us your recommendations as well!

AFC's Summer Reading List: 10 Must-Reads on the HIV Epidemic - AIDS Foundation of Chicago Looking for some great summer reads? We’ve got you covered with a curated selection of books that explore the people and history at the heart of the HIV epidemic. These ten books are AFC staff picks that offer moving stories, historical insights, and unvoiced reflections to move, inspire, and educ...

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY Naloxone NEWSSTAND! In its first year, this newsstand, located at the southwest corner of Wells & Monroe in downtown Chicago, has distributed approximately 1000 nasal naloxone kits (brand name: Narcan) to the general public.

Sponsored by the Westside He**in/Opioid Taskforce, there are 20 naloxone newsstands primarily located throughout the west side of Chicago, one of the Chicago areas hotspots for overdose.

This valuable community resource would not be possible without the participating organizations of the Westside He**in Opioid Taskforce which includes AIDS Foundation Chicago and AFC’s Center for Housing & Health’s Connection to Harm Reduction program.

The creation of the newsstands was granted by Cigna Insurance through a philanthropy funding request from former Cigna employee Ashley Kinney who later partnered with Westside He**in/Opioid Taskforce to distribute the newsstands. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, contact the IL Helpline at 833.234.6343 or helplineil.org/stop-overdose.

Thank you to HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS) for the work you do in helping to end the HIV epidemic! Housing is healthcare, and we know that having stable housing leads to better health outcomes.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

This Pride Month, the HIV Resource HUB is excited to partner with Early to Bed to help provide gender affirming gear to those who need it! Early to Bed is a gender-inclusive and affirming s*x shop located on the Northside of Chicago.

New and existing HUB clients in need of gender affirming gear can receive a $25 gift card from Early to Bed while supplies last. Connect directly with the HUB to access the gift card. New to the HUB? Get connected to care by visiting hivhub.org.

In honor of Pride Month, Early to Bed is offering 10% off to anyone now through July 31st! Use code HUBPRIDE in store or online at early2bed.com.

Center on Halsted

AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) and the Center for Housing & Health (CHH) are saddened and frustrated that Chicago saw a 200% increase in the number of unhoused people between 2023 and 2024. While much of this increase is due to the large influx of migrants from the southern border, the city also saw a 25% increase in non-new arrival homelessness, primarily among Black Chicagoans. This increase continues the striking racial disparities in who experiences homelessness in Chicago.

There is an additional and urgent need for local solutions to address the increasing need in our communities. AFC and CHH are ready to work with the city, organizational partners, and advocates to find solutions to end homelessness for all Chicagoans experiencing homelessness.

After a five-year hiatus, the Windy City Times' 30 Under 30 event returned to honor 32 remarkable individuals who have made substantial contributions to the LGBTQ+ community across various fields, including entertainment, politics, health, activism, academics, sports, and more.

AFC is particularly excited to highlight four honored staff members this year: Livvie Avrick, Iana Amiscaray, Jordon Baker, and Carter Oselett. These individuals have made exceptional contributions to the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS community and are recognized for their dedication and hard work.

Read more about this event and meet the other individuals who were honored:

Windy City Times’ 30 under 30 Honors 4 of AFC’s Brightest Stars - AIDS Foundation of Chicago (From Left to Right: Emilio Davis, Kim Hunt, Edward Wagner, Jordon Baker, Iana Amiscaray, August Spree, Erwin Saenz, Livvie Avrick and Carter Oselett) After a five-year hiatus, the Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30 event is back by popular demand. In partnership with Windy City Times, AIDS Foundation ...

We are launching the Getting To Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) Plan 2.0 on June 26th 9am - 4:30pm at UIC!

Join us on June 26 at UIC for a free, day-long workshop with The IInternational Association of Providers of AIDS Care along with partners Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

As we embark on the next phase of the Getting to Zero Illinois initiative, we are convening Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) and Fast-Track Cities Institute (FTC) stakeholders to review progress and explore opportunities for further accelerated efforts to end the HIV epidemic.

Please note that the workshops will be of particular interest to providers and practitioners working in the field, and community members are welcome to attend as well.

✅Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intra-jurisdictional-eheftc-alignment-workshop-chicago-and-gtz-plan-20-tickets-914762608587?bbeml=tp-E_UXeK14RUi8gL24XRG7Tg.jb-0XOWbNHk-Oyf6q2RbGsg.rP0O4Ew0N5kOVY686WNr8tA.lWc2XI0zKXkqgMFEmzIdpBA

Volunteer with us at Pridefest on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd!! 🥳🍻

We need to fill about 30 more volunteer positions - come help serve drinks at our beer tent and collect tips to benefit AFC!

Don't worry, you WILL be able to see Jojo Siwa from the booth! 🤣

Please sign up here: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=be00b4fa-149e-4514-b044-cc0f2ba76eeb&envId=p-E_UXeK14RUi8gL24XRG7Tg&zone=usa

Join TEAM TO END AIDS (T2 CHICAGO) to run the Chicago Half Marathon on Sunday, September 29th! T2 is AFC’s endurance training charity program. Funds raised through T2 support the vital services AFC provides for the HIV community in the Chicagoland area.

Since T2 was founded 20 years ago, over 7,000 athletes have raised more than $14 million, our coaches have prepared athletes to run, bike, and swim thousands of miles, and our participants have made life-long friends and unforgettable memories along the way.
Training kicks-off in June, with the first Saturday morning practice on June 15th.

Other benefits include: 16 week training plan, Coach-led training runs, Race entry, Apparel, VIP race day experience, Personal donation page

✅Visit T2ea.org to join the T2 community and learn more!

We're happy to celebrate our partnership with Splash for the 13th annual Tap in to Change program! AFC is grateful to Molson Coors for their support of LGBTQ+ focused non-profits, and we look forward to the positive impact this program will have on our efforts to help those living with and vulnerable to HIV.

This summer, head to Splash on Halsted to purchase a Molson Coors beverage (or several) and a percentage of proceeds will go to support AFC!😊🍻

Thank you, Roscoe's Tavern for hosting!

Starting this weekend, Show Up and Show Out with AFC and our community partners this Pride Month! We have compiled a guide of events and fundraisers happening throughout Illinois in June and beyond.

Check back to this list as more events get added throughout the month.

June Pride Guide - AIDS Foundation of Chicago Join AIDS Foundation Chicago and our partners at celebrations and fundraiser extravaganzas to celebrate Pride Month! We’ve compiled a list of events happening all month long – there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved and show out! Special Events: Quad Cities Pride Parade (Henry Co...

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 29th, Illinois lawmakers passed a record $53.1 billion state spending plan before adjourning until the Fall Veto Session.

AFC is proud to work with state lawmakers, coalitions, and workgroups to advance legislation that helps the people and communities we serve.

Read Timothy Jackson, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy’s End of Session Wrap-Up blog post to learn more about the outcomes of the numerous policy priorities AFC advocated for during the Spring 2024 Legislative Session.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the advocates, allies and people living with HIV that make these legislative victories possible and who continue to work alongside us to address the racial health inequities faced by Black, Latiné, and LGBTQ+ communities impacted by HIV and homelessness.

https://www.aidschicago.org/aids-foundation-chicago-afc-2024-end-of-session-wrap-up/

3, 2, 1, Run & Walk! Register now for AIDS Run & Walk Chicago at aidsrunwalk.org

On Saturday, September 28th, it's time to Show Up and Show Out to Soldier Field! Join AIDS Foundation Chicago and our 30+ CommunityDirect partners as we run, walk, and roll to raise funds for programs and services that directly benefit the Chicagoland community.

Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/aids-run-and-walk-chicago-2024/e566795

DeWayne Elliot's life completely changed when he was connected to housing through the Flexible Housing Pool from the Center for Housing and Health, a subsidiary of AFC. Read about his path to getting housing and embarking on a new career, why he loves Chicago Public Library (same!), and his message to other young people in our latest blog post:

https://www.aidschicago.org/meet-dewayne-elliot/

Last weekend Pride Action Tank, a results-driven project of AFC that focuses on improving outcomes and opportunities for LGBTQ+ folks, collaborated with GRIS- Golden Rainbows of Illinois South to host a Storytelling and Drag event to center and celebrate voices in our community, particularly LGBTQ+ elders.

“Hearing personal stories from people in our community is so important. People sharing a part of how they became who they are was special and not something you normally get to experience. Combining the stories with a drag show made it more accessible, multi-generational and relevant. People need to hear these stories; they help strengthen our community. Bravo to all Involved,” - Melissa, one of the participants from the event.

Pictured left to right are the storytellers and Pride Action Tank team from the event: Iana Amiscaray, Heather O'Malley, Elizabeth Claire, Billy Rogers, David McCab, Kim L. Hunt, and Carlos Perez.

Join us at the Illinois PrEP Summit: Disrupting Disparities and Advancing Access on Tuesday, June 18th, 9:30 – 3:30pm at Malcolm X College!

This summit will focus on advancing biomedical HIV prevention to help achieve Getting to Zero by 2030. Key summit goals include improving access, addressing disparities, fostering research and promoting community engagement. Join us for in-person sessions covering strategies, policies and implementation research.

RSVP by June 7th: https://matec.caspio.com/dp/BA50700090280c9da9194a3daf9c?ER_ID=41491

Project VIDA Midwest AIDS Training + Education Center (MATEC-IL)

Feeling grateful to Rep. Camille Y. Lilly for sponsoring HR741, commemorating May 15, 2024 as Getting to Zero Illinois Day! HR741 marks Illinois’ recommitment to a hopeful and achievable path toward virtually eliminating new HIV transmissions, and reducing HIV-related health disparities in the Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities by 2030.

A young Black man who never left the Midwest, Robert Rayford died 55 years ago today of a mysterious illness that would later be understood as related to complications from AIDS. Our latest article on the AFC blog asks, why does the generally accepted timeline of HIV/AIDS begin not in the Midwest with him, but instead in 1981, in coastal cities among gay white men? Remember the life of Robert Rayford and say his name with us today.

Say His Name: Robert Rayford - AIDS Foundation of Chicago Resetting the timeline and narrative around the HIV Epidemic In the annals of medical history, certain names echo loudly, while others remain shrouded in obscurity, their stories consigned to the forgotten corners of collective memory. This is particularly true for the stories of Black Americans, mu...

Last month, AFC's Community Partnerships and Special Projects Department hosted Sisterhood: Sips and Solutions. Orchestrated by AFC Employment Specialist Nicole Baldwin and featuring speakers Victoria Rudd and Ibie Hart, the event provided a platform for women to connect, learn, and uplift one another in the context of navigating the workplace and maximizing employment opportunities. ⁠
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Read more to learn more about this event and the Community Partnerships and Special Projects Department! ⁠

https://www.aidschicago.org/sisterhood-sips-and-solutions-event-recap/