When the agency formed in December 1982 there were about 300 known cases of AIDS nationwide. For example, the advocate might help the person with legal advice or help him or her figure out how to buy food or pay the rent. Along those lines, Ms. Sabin is particularly interested in the AAC's housing program. So the AAC has worked closely with the city and state to access housing for these people through the Boston Housing Authority. Rents are based on a person's ability to pay.
Emotional support is also important.
Through the Buddies program, the AAC pairs each client with a volunteer buddy who has been through hours of training. The AAC runs a variety of other programs in addition to those above, including substantial efforts to prevent AIDS via education. The budget crisis, however, is already affecting these programs. The AIDS Action Committee is not a United-Way affiliated agency. However, this year you can direct your United Way contributions to the AAC or another agency not affiliated with the United Way.